By How is the popular Lollipop Road Train coping in this extreme weather?
Cleethorpes well-loved Lollipop Train gives adults and children the chance to ride around the seafront taking in the glorious views of the sea and beach.
Due to the current temperatures, this has had an effect on the iconic business, causing some necessary changes for the working day.
The conductor and driver now get regular cold water, slushes, and fizzy pop throughout the day to help them stay hydrated and cool. The conductor also gets an extended break at nearby cafes with air conditioning.
On the hottest of days the driver will consider to bring the train in early, making the working days shorter.
Zack Bradley, a partner in the business and also a train driver said “We are extremely busy during the summer holidays each year, and when most people want to ride the train. Due to the increase in people wanting to ride the train, we have to be able to accommodate for this. When demand is high we ask people to share carriages.”
Zack went on to mention how “people that ride the train are always really helpful and friendly. It’s always nice to see people offering to share their carriages so everyone can get on.”
When the Lollipop Train is at its busiest long queues start to form at both the pier end and the lakeside end.
The area where the train drops off and picks up is built to assist the amount of people, and there is ample space provided for bigger queues. This area has also been built out of the way of the cycle and footpath, causing disruption to the public.
At the pier in order to cause no disruption, the train drops off on one side of the road before turning and parking across the other side of the road.
The council have recently redeveloped the area near the pier where the train picks up so that there is more room for a longer queue.
During the hot weather the lollipop train has taken further precautions. Caps are provided for working in the sun all day, along with regular drinks for the driver and conductor. A half an hour break with drinks and ice is taken by the conductor on extremely hot days.
The train also allows drivers to exchange places and take over from each other to allow them to have a rest.
If the combination of the temperature and lack of wind makes the conditions unbearable or even dangerous the train will have to finish early.
(Written by: Tilly Green)
