A beloved train journey in Britain might cease to exist after top officials raised safety concerns. Scotland is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans thanks to so many iconic landmarks being used in the films. Now, Britons may not be able to board the steam engine that many associate with the Hogwarts Express from early 2024 if it does not meet safety regulations.
Officials have noted issues with the secondary door locks during an inspection in July, deeming them a serious safety risk to passengers. The report also noted that stewards were not preventing passengers from leaning or hanging out of moving train doors, reported Mirror.
With the future of the train hanging in the air, classic railway enthusiasts were given a lifeline in August when the Jacobite was given a temporary exemption, to last until November 30. Now, the operator has received yet another extension into the early next year.
A judicial review regarding the door locking system requirement is anticipated in January. Meanwhile, the West Central Railway (WCR) has permission to continue running the service until a verdict is reached or until February 29, 2024, whichever is earlier.
James Shuttleworth, the railway company’s commercial manager, expressed appreciation for the latest exemption certificate, but admitted: “This remains a precarious position to be in, as our long experience and the value we bring to local and national communities hangs in the balance of the court’s decision.”
WCR previously said that new door locking systems could cost up to £7million. This would wipe out much of the operator’s profits over the last decade.
However, the tickets for the 2024 season of the train are already available up for sale.
The cost of a standard adult day return ticket is set at £65 to go on the Jacobite, while a premium compartment option is offered at £398. Around 500,000 people visit the Viaduct every year, which is located at the head of Loch Shiel.
The train is a popular destination among the tourist with many calling it a “magical place” on Tripadvisor.
One user said: “This was excellent, very authentic on original steam train. Good way to spend the afternoon. We got off at Mallaig and had lunch, there were plenty of eating places and time for a wander round the small town.”
Another said: “I and wife during our Scotland tour took this train journey from Fort William to Mallaig. The journey was spectacular.The steam train journey took us back in history . The Vintage train looks though well maintained jelled well with the idyllic settings.The journey take you through a tunnels, sea fronts, wild forested area(if lucky one can see deer ). All in all the journey is a wonderful experience.”
