A "do not travel" alert has been issued after a freight train derailed on a major route in the Lake District last night (Wednesday, May 29).

Train operators Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express issued the alert, urging passengers not to attempt to use their services for journeys between Preston and Scotland on Thursday.

National Rail said there would be major disruption between Carlisle and Oxenholme until 6pm today (Thursday, May 30).

According to a recent survey, the average Brit says they miss out on a total of £1,204.80 per year buying products and services they’re eligible to return or refund. Trains especially.

Over the past 12 months, 1 million delayed journeys have been eligible for a refund.

Both TransPennine Express and Avanti said customers with tickets booked for travel yesterday (Wednesday 30 May) would be able to use them on the route today.

Trainline policy

Both Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express offer 'Delay Repay'.

UK train companies have different compensation schemes, but they will all allow you to claim compensation when your train is delayed by the relevant length of time.

The amount of compensation may be calculated differently depending on how late you arrived at your destination, the cost of your ticket and the ticket type you have used.

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For example, if you have a Weekly Season Ticket, you won't get the same compensation as the one you would get if you had an Off-Peak Day Single or Return ticket.

To claim Delay Repay, you’ll usually need to fill in a claim form on the train company’s website.

It's recommended you have the following information to hand in order to claim Delay Repay effortlessly and ensure you get the right amount of compensation:

  • A scan, photo or screenshot of your ticket, including the barcode if you're travelling with an eticket
  • A scan of your photocard if you're a Season ticket holder
  • Your eticket receipt or booking confirmation displaying your booking reference, journey details and price paid
  • If you no longer have your ticket, a receipt with your journey details, including the price paid.

You can check the Passenger’s Charter of the train operator you’ll be travelling with for more information on their Delay Repay policy.