Croydon trams damaged by unknown debris on track

About 30 trams operate at peak times on the network, but currently only eight are working

Trams in Croydon have been taken out of service due to damaged wheels, according to Transport for London (TfL).

Engineers say debris on the track caused the damage but, despite an inspection, have been unable to find exactly what debris it was.

TfL says large parts of the network are now closed and passengers should expect major disruption to the rest of the service.

Repairs to the trams have been delayed due to a strike by engineers this week.

London Trams travel through the centre of Croydon

TfL says it is uncertain what could have caused the extensive damage, but has ruled out vandalism.

It says it is thought about a dozen trams have been damaged.

This means most of the tram network is closed, with only a reduced service between Wimbledon and Reeves Corner.

A TfL spokesperson said: “A number of our trams have unfortunately suffered damaged wheels due to debris in a section of track, which means we are currently operating a significantly reduced service across the London Trams network.

"This impact is likely to affect services into the weekend and beyond while we repair the wheels, but our priority is to put trams safely back into service as quickly as possible."

They added: "We are sorry for the disruption this is causing to customers and are boosting local bus services so that everyone can still get around.

"We recommend anyone wanting to travel in the area to check before they travel, consider alternative routes and to allow more time to complete their journeys.”

It comes as tram engineers ended a five-day strike over pay disparities.

TfL says trams are waiting in the depot to be repaired, but it has not had engineers available.

It says it is unable to estimate how long the tram service will be affected for.