Network Rail has launched a £15 million operation to clear leaves from Sussex's railway lines.
The company, which is responsible for maintaining the track, is deploying 17 trains fitted with specialist leaf-clearing equipment.
The operation was unveiled at Three Bridges station yesterday.
Jenny Sacre, of Network Rail, said: "This time we are well prepared.
"We have multi-purpose vehicles, spraying and sanding the track and will be dedicating more than 24,000 man-hours to the annual problem in the South."
Network Rail is also employing people with hand-held sanders to respond to emergency call-outs from drivers.
The trains will be operating in some areas throughout the night, putting sand and a mixture called Sandite on to the track.
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