Sussex and Surrey train passengers urged to travel only if essential after heatwave causes day of major disruption

In line with national travel advice, passengers with Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern are being urged to travel only if absolutely necessary on Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25. This came after the Met Office issued a rare red extreme heat warning, across large parts of its network.

There will be significant disruption as trains run more slowly to reduced timetables to keep services safe.

In a social media message posted shortly before 4pm on Wednesday, the operator reported: "Due to a number of incidents affecting the entire network today, some trains will be cancelled, delayed or revised.

"You are advised to not travel at this time unless it is essential. If you do travel, you should allow at least 90 minutes extra to complete your journey."

The disruption came as Sussex and much of southern England baked in temperatures above 30C, during an exceptional heatwave, that has prompted a rare red extreme heat warning from the Met Office.

Southern later warned disruption would continue until the end of the day, and told passengers to check before travelling.

Routes across Sussex affected

Passengers travelling across Sussex faced a host of problems throughout Wednesday.

On the West Coastway line, there was a reduced service between Barnham and Bognor Regis, while no Southern trains were able to run to or from Southampton Central. Brighton to Southampton services were diverted into Portsmouth Harbour or terminated early at Bognor Regis.

Meanwhile, East Coastway services experienced delays and cancellations because of speed restrictions at Glynde and Seaford.

Services to and from London Victoria, Hastings and Ore were also unable to call at Plumpton and Cooksbridge.

The Uckfield line was running a reduced service because of a train fault.

Al trains between Brighton or Haywards Heath and Lewes, Eastbourne and Seaford had to be suspended, entirely, around 7pm.

Emergency ticket acceptance was introduced on local bus services to help stranded passengers complete their journeys.

Although the route later reopened, Southern warned there would be significant residual disruption while services returned to normal.

Passengers were advised to continue allowing at least an hour of extra travel time.

The problems continued into the evening.

Southern reported severe disruption on the West Coastway because of signalling faults, with trains unable to run between Havant and Portsmouth or Southampton.

A separate incident involving trespassers at Gatwick Airport temporarily blocked all railway lines through the station, causing further delays before services eventually resumed.

By the early hours of Thursday morning, Southern confirmed that the day's disruption had ended.

However, the operator warned passengers that fresh disruption is expected on Thursday because of the continuing heatwave.

Travel warning remains in place

In a message posted shortly before 2am on Thursday, Southern said: "Please remember that if you are travelling later on today, 25th June, that you do so if only completely necessary.

"Disruption is expected across the network and some routes will run a reduced or amended service."

The warning comes as much of Sussex remains under a rare red extreme heat warning.

The Met Office has warned that temperatures could exceed 37C for several consecutive days in parts of the warning area, with some locations potentially reaching between 38C and 40C.

Transport disruption is listed among the expected impacts, with rail operators across the country introducing speed restrictions and contingency measures to protect infrastructure during the extreme temperatures.

Passengers planning to travel on Thursday are being urged to check their journey before setting out, allow significantly more time for travel and carry water with them in the hot conditions.

A Southern Rail post on X, on Thursday morning, read: “We're expecting some hot weather today! Please carry a bottle of water with you during the warm weather. If you feel unwell, stay on the platform where colleagues can help you more easily.”

Why does the heat affect trains?

Extreme heat runs the risk of buckled rails. By slowing trains down, they exert lower forces on the track, reducing the chance of this happening. It is not possible to run as many trains if they are running more slowly. This is why an amended timetable has to be introduced. Gatwick Express will be suspended from early afternoon on both days but the airport will continue to be served by Thameslink and Southern trains. While the amended timetable is designed to help ensure scheduled trains run as planned, services may still be subject to further short notice changes and cancellations.

Friday’s service is being kept under review as the forecast develops.

Passengers should check before they travel at one of the Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink or Gatwick Express websites where they will find the latest information.

Jenny Saunders, customer service director at Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink, said: “I’m sorry for the disruption this is going to cause but with such extreme temperatures forecast, we have to run fewer trains, more slowly to keep services safe.

“I’d really urge our customers to think about what’s best for them and to travel only if absolutely necessary on Wednesday and Thursday.

“If you do have to catch a train, then consider travelling earlier or later in the day when it is cooler, or delaying your trip to later in the week.

“Please bring lots of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and have a backup plan in case of disruption.

“And please do check before you travel on one of our websites as the situation could change along with the forecast.”

Jake Kelly, deputy CEO of Network Rail, said: “Extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway, so safety must come first.

“We’re asking passengers to check before travelling on Tuesday, and only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday if they are going to, from or within the red warning zone as temperatures are expected to peak.

“If you do need to travel in this area or outside of it where it will still be hot, please plan ahead, allow extra time and take necessary precautions, such as carrying water, to stay safe.

“We thank passengers for their patience and understanding during this period.”

People who no longer wish to travel, will be eligible for a full refund from where they bought their ticket for Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Thameslink and Southern services dated Tuesday, June 23, Wednesday, June 24, or Thursday, June 25.