HIGH temperatures on train tracks have prompted emergency speed restrictions in Oxford, affecting services until Friday.

Chiltern Railways announced that hot weather has caused problems with the newly-laid track around Oxford railway station, necessitating lower speeds.

Today, commuters had to get to the station earlier than usual as the company’s trains left 10 minutes earlier than scheduled.

This early departure will remain in place until Friday, Chiltern said, affecting trains from 10am in the morning until 6pm in the evening.

Trains departing London Marylebone for Oxford will leave at the normal time, but will arrive in Oxford ten minutes later than scheduled.

Normal speed limits will resume on the journey between Oxford Parkway station and London Marylebone.

Responding to a confused traveller on Facebook, Chiltern Railways clarified: “The early and late alterations at Oxford should ensure normal time for stations from Oxford Parkway to London.”

Commuters expressed their frustration about the changes, particularly after the railway line closure of Oxford station, which was lifted on Monday after causing disruption for several weeks.

Commenting on the Oxford Mail’s story on Facebook, one man wrote: “Japan has hotter summers than us and colder winters, too, [but] they manage to run railways well in either extreme.”