RAIL operator Northern – which runs services on the Airedale route – says it is ready to tackle the "big problem" of leaves on the line this autumn.

Rob Cummings, the company's seasonal performance improvement manager, says new trains are fitted with technology which helps combat the impact of low grip on the tracks.

And for the first time, some of the fleet will use equipment – known as Water-Trak and Double Variable Rate Sanders – which blasts water onto the lines and deploys large quantities of sand.

"Leaves on the line is a serious safety and performance issue for the railway," says Mr Cummings. "You have a steel wheel on a steel rail, and anything that causes low adhesion can be a big problem.

"The leaves are compressed in wet weather and form a slippery layer.

"We conduct a review in January with Network Rail, and begin our planning for the following autumn.

"We’ve got better over the years at dealing with fallen leaves, especially since we introduced our new trains with modern technology that helps reduce the impact of low adhesion.

"Also, this is the first season that we are using the Double Variable Rate Sanders and Water-Trak."