Southern Rail: West Sussex signal fault causes train cancellations and delays
A signalling fault at Ford has caused cancellations and delays, across West Sussex and Hampshire, this morning (Monday, October 19).
The disruption remained ongoing at 8.30am, with services between Ford and Barnham facing cancellations, alterations and delays of up to 15 minutes. Disruption was expected to continue until 9.15am.
In its initial social media update at 7am, Southern warned: “Services running through this station may be delayed, cancelled or altered.”
The operator later explained that a signal had been reported as displaying the wrong colour to drivers.
“This means drivers have to stop at the preceding signal and gain verbal instructions to continue,” Southern said on its website.
Services between Brighton and Southampton Central were terminating and restarting at Barnham, with some cancelled entirely. Bognor Regis–Barnham shuttle services were also cancelled.
Some London Victoria–Portsmouth Harbour services were being diverted to terminate and restart at Bognor Regis, meaning passengers travelling towards Portsmouth could need to change at Barnham.
Southern said London Victoria–Bognor Regis services were unaffected by the service changes, although journeys could still take longer than usual.
Passengers travelling between Brighton and Southampton were advised they might need to change at Havant or Portsmouth for an alternative service.
Tickets were being accepted at no extra cost on South Western Railway and Great Western Railway services between Portsmouth and Southampton Central.
“Please allow at least 20 minutes more time to complete your journey,” the operator advised passengers using alternative routes.
Network Rail, which maintains the signalling system, was working with Southern to diagnose and repair the fault.
Passengers were urged to check live journey planners, station screens and announcements before travelling. Those delayed in reaching their destination may be eligible for compensation and should retain their tickets and journey details.
To claim compensation, for delays of 15 minutes or more, visit: https://www.southernrailway.com/help-and-support/delay-repay-compensation