Leaf-busting trains with water jets deployed

About 50 million leaves are expected to fall on the tracks in south-east England this autumn

A fleet of specialist trains equipped with water jets which blast leaves from the lines have been deployed to help reduce delays in Kent and East Sussex.

The trains will run around-the-clock from the Tonbridge depot, train operator Southeastern said.

It also said new 'Sand Rover' 4x4 vehicles which treat the track to increase grip for trains will be trialled on two lines.

Southeastern outlined the measures ahead of its new autumn timetable coming into force from Sunday.

A spokesperson said the season was a "challenging time".

About 50 million leaves are expected to fall on the tracks in south-east England this autumn, according to Southeastern.

The operator said it would be "working to do even more to keep trains on time and ensure customers can travel with confidence".

Some services will depart slightly earlier or later and customers are being urged to check timetables in advance.

David Davidson, Southeastern chief operating officer, said: 'In autumn, the tracks get inundated by millions of leaves that can affect the stopping and starting of our trains and can pose a significant safety risk if left unchecked.

"Alongside relatively small but necessary changes to our timetables to ensure our drivers can start and stop our trains safely, we are doing more than ever to minimise disruption."

The autumn timetable is available here and will run until 13 December.