Locomotives are banned for the next eight years from a popular holiday route because Network Rail has decided to delay repairs to it.
Rail campaigners have been shocked and angered by the decision on the Yorkshire Coast line from Hull to Scarborough via Bridlington and Filey.
The decision means the line is effectively closed to freight and excursion trains.
"Green Express Railtours have promoted special trains for 19 years, and the ban on running locomotive hauled trains over the Yorkshire Coast Line is the first time we have been prevented from running along a passenger line due to the condition of its railway tracks," said Nick Harvey of Green Express which is affiliated to Railfuture.
The line was downgraded because of the condition of its tracks in June 2006, as a "short term" measure.
Even the new upgrade date of 2015 is dependent on sufficient finance being released by the Office of Rail Regulation.
Nick added: "I wrote to all local MPs who represent constituencies on the Yorkshire Coast Line, to ensure the public were given a definite answer on the work required.
"My local MP, John Greenway, to whom I am grateful, has obtained a reply from John Armitt, chief executive of Network Rail.
"It is Mr Armitt's responsibility to maintain the railway tracks. But to prohibit locomotive-hauled trains for a total of nine years has come as shock to everyone!
"Excursion trains are huge ‘people mover’ trains, carrying 600 people at a time. These are what built the seaside towns of Bridlington, Filey and Scarborough.
"The excursion train market is booming and more special trains are running on the network. They receive no state funding, and offer an alternative to the congested roads.
"Sadly, the Yorkshire Coast line will lose out on these special trains, which bring people to the area, as well as offering local residents in Filey, Bridlington, Driffield and Beverley a day out to an interesting destination by direct train from the convenience of their local station.
"I am also concerned that this ban will exclude this area from seeing a shift in freight transport from the roads to the railway. 2015 is a long time for the Yorkshire Coast line to wait to be back to the standard required to transport freight by rail."
Information from Nick Harvey 01723 891400 or mobile 07973 899542
Green Express Railtours