Harry Potter train operator wins extension to safety rule deadline

A legal challenge over carriage door locking systems has implications for Jacobite steam journeys

The operators of steam train journeys on the Harry Potter railway line have won a slight reprieve in a legal wrangle over safety regulation.

West Coast Railways (WCR) has challenged demands for central locking systems to be fitted to carriage doors.

WCR's Jacobite locomotive and its carriages appeared as the Hogwarts Express in the boy wizard films.

The company said a deadline it had been facing on Thursday over the rules had been extended into early next year.

A judgement on a judicial review of the locking system requirement is expected in January.

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WRC operates a number of steam railway journeys, including the Jacobite excursions on the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig.

The company relies on safety exemptions granted by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) that allow for the continued use of heritage rolling stock.

The latest exemption was due to expire on Thursday.

But the ORR has now been issued a further certificate allowing WCR to run its services until a judgment has been handed down or until 29 February 2024, whichever comes sooner.

WCR has welcomed the move, but said the future of its excursions - including next year's Jacobite journeys - remained in doubt.

'Precarious position'

Commercial manager James Shuttleworth said: "We are pleased that the ORR have issued us a further exemption certificate so that we can continue operations at least until judgment on the review is handed down, with our existing but robust safety measures in place.

"However, this remains a precarious position to be in, as our long experience and the value we bring to local and national communities hangs in the balance of the court's decision."

He added: "We continue to push for the continuance of the UK's railway heritage for future generations on the main line railway."

The Jacobite crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which became an attraction for a new generation of tourists after being featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

About 750 people per day travel to the end of the line at Mallaig every day in the peak season, with many more visitors travelling to the area to see the train go past.