Harry Potter steam train services to resume but passengers risk losing seats

The operators of the Jacobite steam train made famous by Harry Potter confirmed that services will be back up and running after being suspended.

Operators West Coast Railways (WCR) suspended the service after they were told to fit a new central locking system onto carriage doors.

The company had complained that the multimillion-pound cost of having to retrofit central locking could “destroy” its business and it argued its door systems were just as safe.

Earlier this week, the operators wrote to the UK rail minister asking for intervention while their application for exemption from regulation five of the railway safety regulations is considered.

WCR announced that the suspension would be lifted with services getting back on track from April 15. Network Rail via Supplied

Local business owners also raised concerns and said they were “suffering” as a result of the suspension.

WCR announced on Friday that the suspension would be lifted with services getting back on track from April 15.

The operators said that a fleet of carriages which complies with safety rules would run the trips, however they will have a “reduced capacity”, which could affect passengers who previously booked.

A statement from the operators said: “We will continue to engage with both the ORR and Department for Transport with a request for the temporary exemption so that we can operate our full heritage carriages on the main line.

“As our trains will be slightly shorter, with a reduced capacity, this means that unfortunately we might not be able to accommodate all passengers who initially booked.

“If your trip was cancelled for the April 15 to 18 inclusive, and you are eligible to be re-booked, you will be contacted by our Customer Service team via text and email.

“We are offering customers the opportunity to re-book on a first come, first served basis, based on the date of their initial booking.

“We encourage you to respond the email as soon as possible by simply pressing the accept to reinstate your booking or reject to decline the opportunity.

“We will contact all passengers affected by the reduced capacity over the coming days with any available options.

“To ensure clarity we will also send out confirmation emails to all passengers who are able to travel with us. Please follow the instructions on any emails sent.

“We look forward to welcoming passengers on board.”

The train is more familiar to many as the Hogwarts Express, made world famous by the Harry Potter movies.

The service has operated for more than 30 years under an exemption that allows it to run with the style of carriages on the main lines, which is typically not allowed.