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Hogwarts Express Faces Halt Over 1950s Carriage Doors
13 Feb
Summary
- The Jacobite steam train, known as the Hogwarts Express, faces potential closure.
- A dispute involves the use of 1950s doors on its carriages, deemed unsafe.
- The service generates millions for the Scottish economy annually.
A health and safety dispute over the use of 1950s carriage doors could halt the Jacobite steam train service, widely recognized as the Hogwarts Express. This iconic train, which transports approximately 700,000 passengers annually from Fort William to Mallaig, has been a significant draw for tourists. West Coast Railways (WCR), the operator, lost a High Court challenge against the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) concerning the safety of these older doors.
WCR, which operates the service in the Scottish Highlands and owns a substantial portion of Britain's heritage trains, had previously operated under an exemption for hinged-door carriages. The company argued that the cost of retrofitting central locking systems would be prohibitive and could potentially 'destroy' its business. The ORR's approach was deemed 'justifiable' by the judge, despite WCR's claims that ceasing operations could impact British tourism by £50 million.
The continuation of the Jacobite service, which contributes an estimated £19.3 million annually to the Scottish economy, remains under review. WCR has not yet formalized its timetable or announced ticket sales, stating that decisions are still being made. Health and safety inspectors have flagged the older door systems as unsafe, posing risks to passengers.
