Rail passengers are facing disruption due to a signalling failure which “locked” a busy route.

Thameslink services were unable to run for nearly two hours between Swanley and Sevenoaks due a fault identified on the line near Otford shortly after 10am.

It meant trains which usually run between London Blackfriars and Kent were diverted between Bickley, near Bromley and Sevenoaks via Orpington in both directions.

While those services were on diversion Thameslink trains did not serve St Mary Cray, Swanley, Eynsford, Shoreham, Otford, and Bat and Ball station.

Network Rail dispatched specialist engineers to the scene at Otford junction and Thameslink confirmed shortly after midday they fixed the issue.

They identified the cause of the signalling fault as a track circuit failure, which meant the system was unable to automatically confirm the line ahead was clear of trains.

When this fault occurs, signals will remain red for safety reasons and trains need to be “talked past”, Thameslink explained.

It meant the route effectively became “locked” and trains were unable to run in either direction between Otford and Bat and Ball. Although those between Otford and Kemsing were unaffected.

Southeastern services are also still running from St Mary Cray, Swanley and Otford.

Thameslink has since confirmed the 12.23pm Sevenoaks to London Blackfriars service will be the first train to run as scheduled towards London/Swanley.

Following trains may still be delayed or revised while it works to restore its planned timetable.

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