The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has criticised train operators for being able to claim compensation for disruptions caused by storms yesterday (October 28th).

The UK, especially in the south and south-east, experienced storms as strong as 99 miles per hour (mph) in parts, which caused damage and delays by the likes of falling trees. As private firms, operators could claim money from Network Rail via Schedule Eight payments, as the body is tasked with maintaining the rail system.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "Due to the stupid way that privatisation works it suits the train operators down to the ground not to run services and to lay the blame at the door of Network Rail."

Trains were not the only services to be delayed by the winds, as airports also experienced difficulties. Heathrow reduced its schedule as a result of the weather, as cross-runway winds above 30 miles per hour in wet conditions trigger restrictions on what aircraft types are permitted to operate.

Between 06:00 GMT and 11:00 GMT yesterday it claimed airlines were shrinking their services by 20 per cent, moving to ten per cent between 11:00 GMT and 16:00 GMT and five per cent for the rest of the day.