VANDALISM is believed to be the cause of the major signalling problems which caused a nightmare for Redditch commuters today (Monday) and is believed to have cost the network hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Trains from Birmingham New Street to Redditch were subjected to up hour long delays, cancellations and last minute platform changes while services in the opposite direction experienced half hour hold-ups.
According to National Rail this was due to attempts to burn and cut cables powering the signals at Proof House junction, just south of the Birmingham station. This disruption is believed to have affected thousands of people and despite promises to resolve the issues by midday, delays have continued on a lesser scale (up to 15 minutes).
A Network Rail spokesman said: “Early indications are that foul play caused today’s signalling failure. As well as putting their lives at risk, railway trespassers and vandals can face fines and prison sentences.
“Thousands of people were delayed getting to work today. The cost to the industry will run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. This is taxpayers’ money which could have been invested in improving the railway.”
Trains were able to exit the station after repairs were carried out at about 9.30am but passengers were warned it would take more time for services to resume the usual timetables.
They are advising commuters to check the train times before they travel.
This comes just days after train users had to catch replacement services from Redditch to Longbridge due to other signalling problems
Anyone with information on the vandalism is urged to contact the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016.
