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Chaos-hit Eurostar tests trains Chaos-hit Eurostar tests trains
(10 minutes later)
Eurostar trains modified overnight will be tested on Monday as Channel Tunnel services are suspended for a third day.Eurostar trains modified overnight will be tested on Monday as Channel Tunnel services are suspended for a third day.
Tens of thousands of passengers have had journeys cancelled after train breakdowns in what the company said were unprecedented winter conditions.Tens of thousands of passengers have had journeys cancelled after train breakdowns in what the company said were unprecedented winter conditions.
The firm's board has commissioned an independent review into what happened.The firm's board has commissioned an independent review into what happened.
The company hopes to announce on Monday evening when services will resume but has warned it will take time to clear the backlog of stranded passengers.The company hopes to announce on Monday evening when services will resume but has warned it will take time to clear the backlog of stranded passengers.
Cause of problemsCause of problems
A statement on the company's website said it "sincerely regretted" having to halt services for a third day.A statement on the company's website said it "sincerely regretted" having to halt services for a third day.
"We understand how frustrated and disappointed travellers will be, particularly those who have been waiting to travel for the last two days," said a statement on the firm's website."We understand how frustrated and disappointed travellers will be, particularly those who have been waiting to travel for the last two days," said a statement on the firm's website.
Travellers who had bookings for Saturday, Sunday or Monday will be able to claim "reasonable out-of-pocket expenses" for hotel, transport and meal costs.Travellers who had bookings for Saturday, Sunday or Monday will be able to claim "reasonable out-of-pocket expenses" for hotel, transport and meal costs.
Eurostar has modified its trains to try to stop water getting into the electrics.Eurostar has modified its trains to try to stop water getting into the electrics.
It said snow shields used to protect the electrics of its trains had worked for the 15 years it has been running services through the tunnel.It said snow shields used to protect the electrics of its trains had worked for the 15 years it has been running services through the tunnel.
EUROSTAR ADVICE If your journey is not essential, do not travelA full refund will be offered to those whose journeys have been affectedPassengers whose journeys were severely disrupted on Friday or Saturday will also be given £150 compensation, out-of-pocket expenses, and a free return ticketThose who had bookings for Saturday, Sunday or Monday can claim "reasonable" out-of-pockets expenses such as hotel, transport and meal costsAll updates will be posted on the Eurostar website and given out to news outlets Are you a Eurostar passenger?EUROSTAR ADVICE If your journey is not essential, do not travelA full refund will be offered to those whose journeys have been affectedPassengers whose journeys were severely disrupted on Friday or Saturday will also be given £150 compensation, out-of-pocket expenses, and a free return ticketThose who had bookings for Saturday, Sunday or Monday can claim "reasonable" out-of-pockets expenses such as hotel, transport and meal costsAll updates will be posted on the Eurostar website and given out to news outlets Are you a Eurostar passenger?
But the company said the weather in northern France over the past few days had been worse than anything previously experienced in that time. More snow is forecast for the area on Monday.But the company said the weather in northern France over the past few days had been worse than anything previously experienced in that time. More snow is forecast for the area on Monday.
Eurostar has warned it will be not able to carry all of the passengers due to travel over the next few days as well as the backlog of those whose journeys have already been cancelled.Eurostar has warned it will be not able to carry all of the passengers due to travel over the next few days as well as the backlog of those whose journeys have already been cancelled.
It is advising people to postpone their trip unless absolutely necessary.It is advising people to postpone their trip unless absolutely necessary.
Eurostar commercial director Nick Mercer said the company believed it had now identified the cause of the problems.Eurostar commercial director Nick Mercer said the company believed it had now identified the cause of the problems.
"We will be testing the trains with the new modifications in the deteriorating snow conditions," he said."We will be testing the trains with the new modifications in the deteriorating snow conditions," he said.
"On the assumption that that works, then we hope to be able to make an announcement on the resumption of service.""On the assumption that that works, then we hope to be able to make an announcement on the resumption of service."
Passenger compensationPassenger compensation
More than 2,000 passengers were trapped on six trains in the Channel Tunnel on Friday and Saturday amid wintry weather.More than 2,000 passengers were trapped on six trains in the Channel Tunnel on Friday and Saturday amid wintry weather.
There was a severely disrupted service on Saturday, with 31,000 ticket holders forced to change their travel plans.There was a severely disrupted service on Saturday, with 31,000 ticket holders forced to change their travel plans.
Eurostar chief executive Richard Brown: "We are very sorry"Eurostar chief executive Richard Brown: "We are very sorry"
All services were cancelled on Sunday and a further 27,000 people were left stranded.All services were cancelled on Sunday and a further 27,000 people were left stranded.
Passengers who suffered the worst delays on Saturday and Sunday - on eight trains specified on the Eurostar website - will be offered a full refund, out-of-pocket expenses, £150 compensation and a free return ticket.Passengers who suffered the worst delays on Saturday and Sunday - on eight trains specified on the Eurostar website - will be offered a full refund, out-of-pocket expenses, £150 compensation and a free return ticket.
On Sunday, all ferry services from Dover to Dunkirk, Boulogne and Calais were running, easing traffic queues that had built up.On Sunday, all ferry services from Dover to Dunkirk, Boulogne and Calais were running, easing traffic queues that had built up.
Freezing conditions continued to disrupt travel in other parts of the country, including flight cancellations or delays at Bristol, Manchester, Belfast, Edinburgh and Inverness airports.Freezing conditions continued to disrupt travel in other parts of the country, including flight cancellations or delays at Bristol, Manchester, Belfast, Edinburgh and Inverness airports.
In Scotland, forecasters warned heavy snow would continue to affect the west and north of the country.In Scotland, forecasters warned heavy snow would continue to affect the west and north of the country.
Motorists suffered hour-long delays after black ice and a jack-knifed lorry affected the A80 at Castlecary in central Scotland.Motorists suffered hour-long delays after black ice and a jack-knifed lorry affected the A80 at Castlecary in central Scotland.
Police in the Highlands advised motorists not to travel unless absolutely necessary.Police in the Highlands advised motorists not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
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Map Key

  • Land
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  • Lakes, Rivers & Sea

Fog

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Frost

Light Heavy

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Cold Warm Occluded

Rain

Light Heavy Extreme

Snow

Light Heavy

Map Key

  • Land
  • Cloud
  • Lakes, Rivers & Sea

Fog

Light Heavy

Frost

Light Heavy

Pressure Fronts

Cold Warm Occluded

Rain

Light Heavy Extreme

Snow

Light Heavy
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