Thousands stranded at Victoria Station as major signal failure causes chaos
Thousands of people have been left stranded during today's rush hour as signal failures at a major London station caused chaos among commuters.
Southeastern confirmed that all lines in and out of its platforms at Victoria Station are blocked and no trains can run in or out.
It is not clear how long the disruption is set to last and Network Rail Kent and Sussex confirmed they are investigating "a serious fault" with the signalling equipment.
National Rail said it expects "major disruption" to Southeastern services until the end of the day - and the routes affected include those between London Victoria and Dartford, Ashford International, Dover Priory, Gillingham and Orpington.
It was also confirmed that the fault was reported earlier today and Network Rail response staff have been onsite since 3pm working to fix it.
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National Rail said the 'major disruption' is expected to last until the end of todayHowever, the issue worsened at around 6pm and is now affecting all platforms at the station.
Southeastern said trains are being diverted to Cannon Street or cancelled.
National Rail said: "No trains can currently run into or out of London Victoria as all lines in the Southeastern platforms are blocked.
"Services will be delayed, and may be diverted to other London terminals, or cancelled."
Passengers have been advised that their tickets can be used at no extra cost on London Underground services, London buses between London Victoria and Bromley South/Orpington as well as high-speed services from London St Pancras International.
Those experiencing a delay in completing their journey today may be entitled to compensation - and commuters have been advised to keep their train ticket and make a note of their journey as they will be needed to support any claim.
Michael Jessops, 26, is among the passengers who have seen their travel plans disrupted tonight as he was left stranded at the station and could not catch a train to Dover where he was planning to meet friends.
The junior sales executive, from Rochester in Kent, told Mail Online: "The train services are shocking. It's an actual nightmare getting home on a normal day but today is even worse.
"I've got no idea how I'm going to get home now. I'm stuck here with everyone else. There must be thousands of people here in the same boat as me."
Katherine Stobbart, 41, who was due to return home to Horsham, in West Sussex, said our train services are "a joke".
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It comes as rail passengers are being warned of disruption to services next week because of fresh industrial action by train drivers and other workers in long-running disputes over pay, jobs and conditions.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will strike on July 20, 22 and 29, while drivers in Aslef will ban overtime from July 17 to 22.
RMT members including station staff, train managers and catering staff will be involved in the action.
Passengers were advised to check their travel arrangements in advance as the level of service will vary across the country.
The strike action at 14 train companies will see wide variations of services across the country with trains due to start later and finish much earlier than usual.
In some areas, only around half of train services will run, while others will have no services at all.
Evening services on some lines are likely to be affected on the days before each strike and on the mornings following the action.
The overtime ban by drivers in Aslef on 14 train companies will affect train services between July 17 and 22.
A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: "The upcoming rail strikes called by the RMT union and the overtime ban by Aslef will undoubtedly cause some disruption, affecting not only the daily commute of our passengers but also disrupting the plans of families during the summer holidays.
"This will lead to disappointment, frustration, and financial strain for tens of thousands of people. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and understand the impact on individuals and businesses.
"While we are doing all we can to keep trains running, unfortunately there will be reduced services between Monday 17 July and Saturday 29 July, so our advice is to check before you travel.
"Passengers with Advance tickets can be refunded fee-free if the train that the ticket is booked for is cancelled, delayed or rescheduled."
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said the strikes would show the country "just how important railway staff are to the running of the rail industry".
"My team of negotiators and I are available 24/7 for talks with the train operating companies and Government," he said.
"Yet quite incredibly, neither party has made any attempt whatsoever to arrange any meetings or put forward a decent offer that can help us reach a negotiated solution.
"The Government continues to shackle the companies and will not allow them to put forward a package that can settle this dispute."
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: "Train drivers don't want to be inconveniencing the public. We want to resolve this dispute.
"We have given the Government and rail operators plenty of opportunities to come to the table but it remains clear that they do not want a resolution.
"Our members - the drivers who keep the railway running day in, day out - will not accept the Government's attempts to force our industry into decline. Rail travel is a vital part of the fight against climate change. Rail connectivity is essential to the country's economy.
"It's time for a fair deal and a resolution so we can grow our railway and improve it for the future."
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