Commuters using Merseyrail were left bemused after trains were cancelled due to “slippery rails”.
The transport provider this morning tweeted to say several trains were ‘severely late’ - with some trains cancelled.
A Merseyrail spokesperson said: “Due to severe late running caused by slippery rails, the 6.37am Birkenhead North to West Kirby train has been cancelled apologies.”
When confused customers asked for an explanation, they replied: “This is due to leaf fall and unfortunately cannot be avoided at this time of year. Very sorry for any inconvenience.”
One Twitter user joked: “wrong colour leaves on the line,” with another adding: “so every time it rains this is going to happen? In for a long winter then trying to get to work”.
Other cancelled trains include the 6.51am West Kirby to Liverpool train, which terminated at Hoylake and the 7.44am Liverpool Central - Hunts Cross, which ran direct to Hunts Cross.
Merseyrail did, however, have an explanation for why a seemingly minor leaf fall can cause such a problem for train drivers.
They tweeted: “We know disruption leaves a bitter taste. Autumn causes a lot of problems on the railway.
“Fallen leaves cover the track and create a hard, slippery coating which makes acceleration a problem.”
