Southern Rail: Delays to services between Uckfield and Crowborough after signalling system fault

Southern Rail reported at 4.14pm on Tuesday, July 14 that the fault with the signalling system between Crowborough and Uckfield had caused disruption to journeys between these stations.

A Southern Rail spokesperson added: “A points failure has been reported between Crowborough and Uckfield, and this is preventing trains from using some of the routes through this area.

“Points are moveable sections of track which can send trains onto different routes at junctions. These are part of the signalling system, generally managed by Network Rail.

“Points can stop moving correctly for a number of reasons. For example, there may be an obstruction in the moving parts, or the electronic control systems may have developed a fault.

“There are various backup systems which allow signallers to try to "set" the points, and in some cases, the points may be available for trains in one of the directions they serve, but not another. However, with more severe failures, the line in question may be blocked entirely.

“Network Rail will send their specialist Signalling & Telecoms teams to site, and they will set up a safe method of working on the track. To allow staff to access the railway, sometimes we have to stop trains completely, which can lead to your train being held at stations or signals en route.

“As soon as it's safe to go on the line, the staff will diagnose the fault and find any quick solutions to resolve it.

“Whilst this is being done, we will be monitoring progress closely. At times, replacement parts may be needed, or specialist advice from suppliers, which is why some points failures take longer to resolve than others.”

Southern Rail stated disruption is expected until 8pm.