Gatwick Express services halted by points failure

A points failure is causing disruption on the Southern and Gatwick Express routes to and from London Victoria

Gatwick Express trains were suspended on Friday ahead of planned engineering works that had already meant the weekend cancellation of services.

A signalling fault on Friday was causing widespread issues with train services.

Some Southern and Thameslink services faced being cancelled, revised, diverted or delayed.

Govia Thameslink and National Rail said the disruption was expected to continue until the end of the day.

A signalling fault between Preston Park and Hassocks was affecting services on the Littlehampton to London Victoria route, but operator Govia Thameslink said that had been resolved by lunchtime.

A points failure at London Victoria, which caused a shortage of platforms, means some services are being diverted to London Bridge, with a limited service running through Clapham Junction.

The operator said this would allow most Southern services to Sussex and Surrey to run, although there would be delays.

Network Rail engineers are still at Victoria Station trying to solve the problem.

Passengers were advised to check the live departure board before setting out.

'Diverted or delayed'

Passengers for Gatwick were advised to use Southern and Thameslink services, but to allow extra time for their journeys.

In a statement, Nation Rail said: "A number of incidents between Brighton and London Victoria means some lines are blocked

"Gatwick Express services will be cancelled.

"Some Southern and Thameslink services may be cancelled, revised, diverted or delayed by up to 20 minutes."

Gatwick Express services had already been suspended for Saturday and Sunday due to planned engineering work. Buses will replace trains between Brighton and Lewes.

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