A restricted rail service between London and Edinburgh was in operation today after a train operator was forced to carry out emergency safety checks on its entire fleet of high speed electric trains.

Commuters arriving at York Station today were faced with extended journeys after Great North Eastern Railway decided to run its electric trains to a maximum speed of 80 miles an hour, instead of the usual 125mph.

Trains heading north and south were also only running on the hour.

As reported in yesterday's Evening Press, GNER services on the East Coast main line were severely hit after the company withdrew all 31 of its Intercity 225 electric trains.

Over the next four days the company plans to carry out further tests on its electric fleet as part on the ongoing investigation into the cause of the derailment at Sandy, Beds, on Tuesday in which nine people suffered minor injuries after a carriage wheel cracked.

Chief executive of GNER Christopher Garnett said today: "Extended journey times are expected, but we are working very hard to keep them to an absolute minimum.

"We would ask that passengers continue to show the same degree of support and understanding as to the reasons for our actions which we have taken in their best interests."

Passengers gathering at York Station today were generally happy with the restricted timetable.

Derek Johns, of Fulford, who was waiting to catch the 7.57am train to London, said: "I only travel to London twice a month, and I was in two minds whether to take the train or drive.''

Similarly, Sue Mulligan, of Huntington, said she had braced herself for delays when she arranged to meet her daughter in the capital.

"I saw it on the news, but I knew they would be running some trains, and to be honest I would rather they were safe than fully on time."

Customers are advised to contact 0345 225 225 for details of GNER services over the next few days.

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