Central line back on track but some Tube speed restrictions still in place

Some speed restrictions on London Underground trains are still being enforced by Transport for London (TfL) because of issues with the track. Central line services were slowed down earlier this year, with fewer trains also running on a section of the network.

This came after an emergency timetable was also introduced amid a shortage of Central line stock, which had encountered technical issues due to ageing motors. Officials say the 'vast majority' of speed restrictions have now been lifted.

TfL's commissioner told the authority's board yesterday: "In my last report, I confirmed the introduction of a revised timetable on the Central line, meaning we have been able to operate a more reliable service with fewer long gaps between trains. I am pleased to confirm that we have now been able to remove the vast majority of speed restrictions that were introduced earlier this year due to issues with our track monitoring equipment."

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In March, a TfL spokesperson told MyLondon: “We have now introduced a new timetable on the Central line to make journeys more even and to create more certainty for customers while we continue to carry out urgent work to fix motors on the ageing train fleet on the line. This will mean a more consistent frequency across the whole line while this work is undertaken.

Restrictions on 'targeted sections of line'

They added: "However, we have had additional issues with a piece of equipment that monitors the track. Safety is our absolute top priority and so, in line with industry standards, we currently have a number of temporary speed restrictions in place.

"This means that on some targeted sections of the line, customers will currently experience periods where their train does not travel as quickly as usual. These speed restrictions have also resulted in fewer trains to Hainault via Newbury Park than we had hoped but customers should still see a more regular ten-minute service."

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