Southern Rail delays: Bosses blame hot weather after signal failures spark cancellations until end of day

Commuters travelling on Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services are facing major disruption until the end of the day due to a number of signal failures.

In a statement, rail bosses blamed the hot weather for the disruption, which it said means "signals and points can fail easily".

Passengers were urged to check journeys before travelling and allow extra time before travelling as cancellations and delays of up to 50 minutes are expected.

It came as the hottest UK April temperature in 70 years was recorded in London today, with the mercury soaring to 29.1C.

But Londoners heading home to enjoy the sunshine were hit by a slew of cancellations on Thursday afternoon.

A signalling fault at Horley is affecting services from London travelling towards Haywards Heath, Southern Rail said in a statement.

There is also a signalling problem in the Kingswood area and a signal failure at Norwood Junction.

And there is an ongoing issue with a set of points at Gatwick Airport.

The statement said: "In hot weather signals and points can fail easily.

"They might expand too much or get clogged with debris.

"Network Rail are working extremely hard to fix these issues and Southern will endeavour to run as many services as possible."

The disruption sparked fury online with angry commuters venting their frustration on Twitter amid the disruption.

Peter Gallagher wrote: "Good to see that normal service has resumed at Southern Rail - delays delays delays.

"For a while, I forgot that you were running a terrible train service. Cheers for ruining another evening."

Alison Braganza said: "Overcrowded, heavily delayed by almost 45 minutes, no air conditioning with windows locked shut.

"The joy of travelling on Southern Rail train, you really are awful #SouthernFail."

Earlier problems included a signalling issue at London Victoria, which has now been repaired, and a power surge in the Eastbourne area.

Shortly before 3pm a person was struck by a train in the Croydon area, Southern said.

Southern added: "When there is severe disruption, there are often crew shortages. This is because staff have a maximum number of hours they are able to work.

"Although at times it seems as though there is a train available to run, there may not be enough staff available to drive or work on the train, and therefore services will be cancelled.

"We will endeavour to run as many services as possible, however these may be altered at the last minute to accommodate our crews working regulations.

"Southern apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to your journey today."

Tickets will be accepted via any reasonable route on Thameslink services between London and Brighton, London Underground, TfL London Buses, Croydon Tramlink, Metrobus, Southeastern and Southwestern Railway services.