Essex stations unaffected by contactless rollout delay after 'cyber security' incident

The contactless rollout will now be delayed
-Credit: (Image: PA)


A previous version of this article incorrectly said the contactless rollout to Essex stations is delayed. Greater Anglia has clarified that these stations are part of phase two of the rollout so are unaffected by the delay.

Plans to rollout pay-as-you-go contactless payments to railway stations in the country have been postponed - due to a 'cyber security incident' affecting Transport for London (TfL), but the Essex rollout is unaffected. A total of 47 railway stations across the southeast were set to see the change from Sunday, September 22.

However the 'ongoing' incident means this has now been delayed. TfL said it first became aware of the issue on September 1.

Investigations into the incident, which are continuing alongside the National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre, have revealed that some customer data has been accessed. This includes some customer names and contact details (including email addresses and home addresses where provided), and some Oyster card refund data may also have been accessed - which could include bank account numbers and sort codes for a limited number of customers.

As a precautionary measure, TfL said it is contacting these customers directly as soon as possible to advise them of the support that TFL can provide and the steps customers can take. In an update on Thursday, TfL also confirmed ot was enhancing security as a result.

READ MORE: The bustling Essex city often jam packed with cars - but is named among the best to park in the country

READ MORE: Matt and Emma Willis set to star in TV show set at Colchester school

Stations including some operated by Chiltern Railways, Greater Anglia, and GTR were due to be included in the September 22 rollout. Shashi Verma, TfL's Chief Technology Officer, said: "The security measures we are taking mean that it is now not possible for us to deliver the necessary system changes to enable 47 additional stations outside London to benefit from pay as you go with contactless on September 22 as planned. We are working with DfT and the Rail Delivery Group to reschedule and we apologise for the delay.

"We will continue to keep our customers and our staff updated. I would like to apologise for the inconvenience this incident may cause customers and I thank everyone for their patience as we respond to this incident."

In Essex the stations due to receive contactless payments as part of phase two of the rollout are Billericay, Bishop's Stortford, Harlow Mill, Harlow Town, Hockley, Prittlewell, Rayleigh, Rochford, Roydon, Sawbridgeworth, Southend Victoria, Stansted Airport, Stansted Mountfitchet, Wickford, Chelmsford, Hatfield Peverel, Ingatestone, Witham and Southend Airport

Get more traffic and travel news from EssexLive straight to your inbox for FREE