Rail delays on Brighton mainline due to “faulty track” near Preston Park

Commuters faced delays of up to an hour this morning (Thursday May 22) on the Brighton to London mainline after reports of a faulty track.

Maintenance crews were called to carry out emergency works between Hassocks and Preston Park at about 9.30am.

Rail operators said the works, which caused trains to slow while passing through Clayton Tunnel, had resulted in 20 minute delays while some services had been cancelled.

However, some passengers said they were actually delayed by an hour.

According to a message on the National Rail website: “Emergency engineering works near Hassocks are causing delays of up to 20 minutes to trains between Brighton and Haywards Heath.”

Southern, which operates services on the Brighton to London mainline, apologised for the delays.

A spokesman said tickets were being accepted on First Capital Connect services as it looked to alleviate the delays.

For up-to-date information visit the National Rail website.