Network Rail said disruption could extend to other areas if rain does not fall soon - Karl Hendon/Moment RFNetwork Rail has blamed dried-out soil for slowing down Britain's trains. Network Rail said: "Following England's warmest spring on record and hot summer so far, the peat and clay that sits under long stretches of the railway on Anglia has dried out and shrunk. "These speed restrictions will need to be in place until the ground conditions have recovered, which can take some time." Warmer summers have also led to faster tree-growth, with increased instances of branches striking trains, forcing Network Rail to reassess its timetable for keeping vegetation in check. Greater Anglia, c2c and Elizabeth Line routes in Essex will also require work, according to Network Rail.