Travelling in hot weather

The Met Office have issued an amber weather warning for Extreme Heat from Tuesday 9 August until Saturday 13 August.

Please take extra care when you are travelling during extreme weather conditions. Public transport can get very hot, especially during busier periods. Make sure you plan ahead and try to schedule your journey to avoid the sun.

There may be changes to timetables at short notice so ensure you check before you travel.

If you must travel, please follow the below advice:

If you are travelling by train, bus or tram

• keep priority seating free for those who need it, especially as older people and those with underlying health conditions may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated 
• try keep your distance from other passengers
• drink plenty of fluids and ensure you always have plenty of water with you when travelling

If you are travelling by car 

• carry out extra checks on your vehicle before driving in hot weather or bright sunshine - tyres, oil, screen wash etc.
• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
• drink plenty of fluids and ensure you always have plenty of water with you when travelling

If you are travelling on foot or by bike

• try to travel before 11am or after 3pm
• avoid strenuous activity in the hottest parts of the day
• use shady paths and keep your distance from others
• drink plenty of fluids and ensure you always have water with you when travelling
• apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat

Watch out for signs of heat related illness

The main risks posed by a heatwave are: 

• dehydration
• overheating
• heat exhaustion & heat stroke

If you or someone else feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather, it may be heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

For more advice visit NHS: How to cope in hot weather