to many bloody big trees everywhere...leaves are so dangerous on wet roads..so cut them back what is the big deal...

By minnie | November 10, 2008 10:16 AM

Great idea Minnnie! Why not cut down all those nasty big trees? Everywhere. No leaves to sweep up would save the country millions. Plus, it would speed up global warming and then we could all live by the sea. Brilliant! Are you any relation of Mickey?

By Michael Dawkes | November 10, 2008 12:22 PM

They use the weather as an excuse for rail disruptions that occur everyday of the week 365 days a year even when the sun is out and there is no wind. There is absolutely no difference compared to any other day... they just found something to blame it on for once.

By LS | November 10, 2008 12:38 PM

Dear all,
I guess that remarks can come motivated by the anger consequence of catching a late train; however, if you believe that leaves are not capable of interrupting of disrupting the railway traffic, why don't you first get some literature research done? ;-) The leaves on the line problem has been present for many decades in Northern Europe and other countries. A lot of research has been carried out since early 70's by British Railways. The problem is actually quite complex, which is why no efficient solution has been found yet. In simple terms, the problem is like if you wanna start your car on an icy road where the friction available is much less than the torque delivered by your motor --> you cannot go forwards no matter how much you press the gas, can you?
I'd like to ask you all a funny question taken from a publication by a US website:
Q: What weighs less than an ounce and can stop a 100 ton locomotive?
A:...............a LEAF :-)

By PR | November 10, 2008 5:51 PM