Train used as iconic ‘Hogwarts Express’ in Harry Potter movies has services cancelled after safety concerns

• The Hogwarts Express, officially known as The Jacobite, had issues with doors 
• Steam train, which runs across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, halted services on July 15

The ‘Hogwarts Express’ train used in the Harry Potter movies has had its services cancelled amid safety concerns. 

The Scottish steam train, which is officially called The Jacobite, has been suspended by operator West Coast Railways.

The popular tourist attraction had its services halted on July 15 after safety inspectors found that passengers were at risk of falling out of the train while it was moving. 

It comes after MailOnline revealed that historic train carriages are being taken out of service because youngsters are struggling to work out how to open or close the doors. 

The Jacobite, which gained notoriety in the Harry Potter franchise, runs between Mallaig and Fort William across the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands. It attracts thousands of Potter fans every year.

The ‘Hogwarts Express’ train used in the Harry Potter movies has had its services cancelled amid safety concerns

Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, played by Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, travel on the Hogwarts Express

The train operates under an exemption granted by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). ORR inspectors had examined the train when they discovered the issues with the hinged doors. 

The Jacobite has subsequently been out of service while the operator works to resolve the problem. 

Safety inspectors found that passengers were at risk of falling from carriages or being hit while leaning out of windows – and that train stewards were not intervening.

It was also found that passengers are being told by train crew to operate secondary door locks and that they are not in the ‘locked’ position while the train is moving.

On West Coast Railways’ website, a spokesperson said: ‘Due to operational reasons, we are unable to run our Jacobite service before 31st July 2023 as planned. 

‘During a visit by inspectors from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), a couple of issues of concern were identified in relation to the management of the hinged door rolling stock on the Jacobite Steam Train.’ 

They said they are to ‘review the concerns raised by the ORR to reach a satisfactory and swift solution to the issues raised and are looking to bring the Jacobite Steam Train back into service as soon as possible’. 

They added: ‘Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any alternative dates to transfer your trip to, therefore our reservations team will process a full refund within the next 10 working days. 

Safety inspectors found that passengers were at risk of falling from carriages or being hit while leaning out of windows – and that train stewards were not intervening

‘Please accept our sincere apologies for these cancellations. 

‘All pre-booked passengers have been contacted via email and by text where a mobile number has been supplied.’ 

An Office of Rail and Road spokesperson confirmed their inspection found ‘safety failings which ORR considered breached health and safety legislation’ during a previous visit on Friday June 9. 

They issued West Coast Railways with a prohibition notice which came into effect on June 15. The Jacobite’s services then recommenced the same day. 

However, when ORR inspectors returned on Friday, they found the issues had not been resolved, but said the train operator could continue to run the Jacobite service on the provision that it uses different carriages. 

The ORR spokesperson said: ‘This inspection found safety failings which ORR considered breached the earlier prohibition notice and the conditions contained in West Coast Railways’ Railway Safety Regulation Exemption Certificate. 

‘This type of exemption certificate is required for all train operators who want to use carriages without central door locking fitted – ordinarily heritage carriages of the type used on the Jacobite service. Due to the safety issues identified, ORR has revoked West Coast Railways’ exemption certificate. 

‘West Coast Railways will continue to be able to use carriages without central door locking fitted on its other services in accordance with the conditions of a new Exemption Certificate. 

The Jacobite, which gained notoriety in the Harry Potter franchise, runs between Mallaig and Fort William across the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands

‘ORR is working with West Coast Railways to ensure robust safety arrangements are in place to allow West Coast Railways to use heritage carriages on the Jacobite line in the near future. 

‘In the interim, it is open to West Coast Railways to use alternative carriages to operate the Jacobite service.’ 

The Jacobite is not the only historic train carriage which has faced safety issues. The 1930s coaches used on the Severn Valley railway have sparked incidents because they don’t have buttons to open or lock them – with the doors found to be open while the train was moving.

Passengers instead had to lean out of the windows and turn the door handles or wait for platform staff in order to get out.

Extra staff may have to be put onboard in future, while costly modifications may have to be made in the long term. 

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