Train operator East Coast is operating a revised timetable today as wintry weather affects large areas across England and Scotland.

East Coast is operating 85 to 90 per cent of its normal weekday timetable, running a broadly hourly service on its two busiest routes from London to Leeds, and from London to York, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Some services have been experiencing relatively minor delays, taking on average 30 minutes additional time to reach their destination. East Coast expect to operate the full revised timetable this evening.

Passengers travelling to and from Glasgow are advised to use First ScotRail services between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley to connect with East Coast trains at Edinburgh.

Following an operating incident involving a freight train at Carrbridge, south of Inverness, earlier this week, East Coast’s one daily service to Inverness is being replaced by alternative road transport between Perth and Inverness.

East Coast spokesman John Gelson said: “Our trains are continuing to operate through the current snow and ice, providing a more resilient alternative to driving or flying for long distance travel.

“Passengers holding advance booked tickets and reservations for the relatively small number of our services which are cancelled can use the next available East Coast service to complete their journey. East Coast tickets are also being accepted by both Virgin West Coast between London and Glasgow, and by First ScotRail between Edinburgh and Glasgow.”

Passengers who have chosen to delay making a journey today because of the weather will be able to use their tickets to travel tomorrow.

Tomorrow, Wednesday 06 January 2010, East Coast expects to operate a similar level of service to today, with a broadly hourly service on its Leeds and Edinburgh to London routes.