THE ICONIC steam train which featured in the Harry Potter films has had all its services axed over a major safety concern.
The world-famous Jacobite train transports hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
Historic carriages transport sightseers to Mallaig, Fort William, and over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
But the much-loved train journeys have been suspended following a dispute over a safety regulation, the BBC reported.
West Coast Railways (WCR) has been challenging demands for central locking systems to be fitted on the Jacobite’s carriage doors.
While they try to find an exemption to the rules, WCR confirmed it has suspended the service.
Since 2003, steam trains have been given two ten-year exemptions to use alternative locking systems on the carriage doors.
In November, WCR were told by the rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, that the exemption was revoked.
Today, the company said it was awaiting a decision on a new application and suspended the Jacobite service until further notice.
Passengers who have booked the train journey will be offered a full refund.
Commercial manager James Shuttleworth said: “We are disappointed to have to suspend this service and we are sorry for the inconvenience caused to our customers who have booked trips.”
A spokesperson for ORR said they warned all heritage operators “several years ago” about the rule.
And said trains had to either seek an exemption or be compliant with the rules after March 31.
They added: “West Coast Railway’s application for an exemption failed and they made a claim for judicial review.
“A temporary exemption was granted in order to maintain the status quo, enabling WCR to operate whilst the litigation reached a conclusion.
“Despite this, WCR chose to sell tickets when it was far from certain that a new application for an exemption would be granted, either in time for the commencement of services or at all.
“It submitted an exemption application on 8 March, which we are now assessing. ORR is disappointed that WCR appears not to have made sensible contingency plans for the benefit of their customers.”
The Jacobite service is frequently described as the “greatest journey in the world” and anyone lucky enough to get a seat on the train has to make bookings months in advance.
The Jacobite shot to fame when it was used as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.
It was recently voted as one of the best train journeys in the world.
The Jacobite Steam Train journey beat iconic trips including The Ghan in Australia, the Alaska Railroad in he USA and the Canadian which takes travellers from one side of Canada to the other.
