Sussex and Surrey travel: Major incidents on railway; multiple road traffic collisions reported
Here are the latest travel updates from across Sussex and Surrey on Monday, March 9.
Railway disruption after emergency incidents
Major railway disruption was reported in Sussex after a person was ‘hit by a train’.
This was one of two emergency incidents reported in a short space of time on Monday morning (March 9).
Police officers and Network Rail incident units were pictured at Aldrington and Worthing.
Southern Rail confirmed that, at 9.50am, a person was ‘hit by a train between Brighton and Worthing’. The lines have just reopened but trains were unable to run between Brighton, Hove, Worthing, and Angmering.
A spokesperson for British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that officers were called ‘following reports of a casualty on the tracks’. They added: “Paramedics also attended, and a person was taken to hospital with injuries that are still being assessed. The incident is not being treated as suspicious.”
Additionally, at 10.30am, there was a ‘trespasser on the tracks’ in the Worthing area, Southern told this newspaper. British Transport Police attended the scene.
The BTP spokesperson said there were ‘reports of a casualty on the tracks’, adding: "Paramedics also attended, and a person has been taken to hospital with injuries that are not thought to be life changing or life threatening. The incident is not being treated as suspicious.”
A spokesperson for Southern said: "We are sorry for the delays along the south coast this morning while the emergency services dealt with two separate incidents. Anyone whose journey was delayed by 15 minutes or more should claim compensation for our website."
A statement on Southern’s website confirmed that lines have reopened following the emergency services dealing with an incident between Brighton and Worthing.
As service recovers, trains between these stations may still be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes, diverted, or revised.
Disruption is expected until 3pm.
Southern added: “Trains are beginning to run between Brighton, Hove, Worthing, and Angmering. Residual delays, alterations, and cancellations are expect to continue affecting services along this route, as we work towards restoring our normal timetable.
“If you're travelling between Brighton, Hove, Worthing and Angmering, it may be quicker to travel using an alternative route.
“You should check journey planners before you travel. You may need to travel using a different train to normal, or change trains at an intermediate station, so we advise leaving at least 30 minutes extra travel time.”
Tickets are being accepted on reasonable alternative routes, including Stagecoach and Brighton & Hove buses.
Meanwhile, a person was hit by a train between Sutton and West Croydon, in Surrey, earlier on Monday morning.
The BTP spokesperson said: “Officers attended along with paramedics but sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
After the incident, Southern stated on its website said: “If you've been affected by what happened on the network today, there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 from any phone for a confidential chat.”
Road traffic incidents
According to AA Traffic News, these were the routes to avoid, around 9am:
B269 Limpsfield Road (Warlingham): “Road closed and queueing traffic – both ways between Beech Farm Road and Upland Road.”
A3 southbound after A3100 Clay Lane (Guildford): “Long delays and one lane blocked due to stalled coach. Congestion to Ripley Services.”
A2300 Goddards Green (Mid Sussex): “Partially blocked due to crash on A2300 at the Cuckfield Roundabout. On the roundabout. Traffic is coping well.
B2096 Battle Road (East Sussex): “Partially blocked and queueing traffic due to crash on B2096 Battle Road both ways at Portland Square / Halley Road. Congestion to School Hill, and queueing to join the A265.”
The roads listed above have since reopened, according to the AA.
But the B2146 (West Marden, Chichester district) is still said to be closed due to flooding – both ways from Locksash Lane to Oldhouse Lane.
Stay up to date at https://www.theaa.com/route-planner/traffic-news/