Passengers travelling on the Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express networks are facing severe disruption this morning due to a signalling fault and an operational incident between East Croydon and Purley. Fewer trains are able to run through the area, with services cancelled, heavily delayed or altered. Delays of up to 60 minutes are expected, with disruption now anticipated until the end of the day.

A fault with the signalling system in the Purley area has caused widespread impact across the network. National Rail has advised customers not to travel until later in the day if possible. Anyone who must travel has been warned to seek alternative routes or make their own arrangements and to allow at least 60 minutes of extra journey time.

Both the signalling issue and an additional operational incident have led to widespread service suspensions across key commuter and airport routes. Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express services are affected across the network, with numerous cancellations and alterations in place.

Other services will be subject to delays, alterations and cancellations. Some services may have cancelled stops, or will terminate and restart at a different station to normal

Tickets will be accepted for no extra cost on the following:

• Any alternative Thameslink and Great Northern services on any reasonable route

• Greater Anglia services between London Liverpool Street and Cambridge

• LNER services between London Kings Cross, Stevenage and Peterborough

• London Underground between London Terminals

• London Buses between Redhill and East Croydon, also between London, Potters Bar and Crews Hill

• East Midlands Railway services between London St Pancras International, Luton Airport Parkway and Bedford

• Elizabeth line services between Farringdon, London Liverpool Street and Abbey Wood

• London Tram services between Beckenham Junction, East Croydon, Mitcham Junction and Wimbledon

• Mutually between Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express on any reasonable route (including travelling between London and Brighton via Barnham or Lewes)

• Great Western Railway services between Reigate, Redhill and Gatwick Airport

• South Western Railway services between London Waterloo, Wimbledon, Epsom, Dorking, Havant and Portsmouth Harbour

• Southeastern services on any reasonable route between London, Tonbridge and Hastings

Any of the above can change at short notice. Always check with your operator before travelling.

Reports now suggest things are starting to return to normal with any delays now expected to be no more than 20 minutes for the remainder of the evening.

Image: Gatwick Express