'Condensation' stops trains in their tracks

Rush-hour rail passengers were startled to hear a new excuse for a delayed journey - condensation on signals.

Travellers on a London-bound South West Trains (SWT) service stuck at Winchester in Hampshire were told by a guard that condensation had led to all signals being turned red as a precaution.

One passenger who had got on at Southampton Airport Parkway station at 7.38am said everyone was amazed to hear the announcement.

She said: "We were told that due to cold weather, there was condensation on all signals in the Winchester area and that, as a safety measure, all signals had turned red and we would have to stop at each signal.

"I know it's a little colder this morning than it has been, but this seems ridiculous."

A spokesman for Network Rail (NR), which is responsible for signalling, was equally amazed when the explanation was put to him.

He replied: "I've never heard anything like this. The real reason for the delay was a fault with a signal power supply cable in the Winchester area."

The fault caused cancellations and delays of up to 60 minutes on SWT services.

SWT has endured a difficult week, with services disrupted at Waterloo station in London following derailment on Monday evening and signalling work.