Communications failure disrupts travel across Britain’s rail network

Rail travellers were stranded due to a glitch in a radio system used by drivers and signallers. Pic/AFP

Rail travellers across Britain faced disruption Friday after a fault in a radio system used by drivers and signallers nationwide prompted cancellations across the network. The issue, which occurred during the busy morning commute, has led to "short-notice" delays and cancellations throughout the UK, according to National Rail, which represents train operating companies. Lines affected include the Elizabeth Line serving London's Heathrow Airport and the Gatwick Express to the capital's second-biggest airport.

The fault mainly affects trains as they are preparing to leave the depot at the start of their journeys, but trains can run normally once they are underway, National Rail said. "This is because it is preventing our train drivers from contacting the respective signalling center this morning and a reset has to be performed before the train can start its journey," South Western Railway reported.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever