VANDALISM was the likely cause of widespread disruption affecting railway passengers in Birmingham today, Network Rail has said.
Pictures released by Network Rail show apparent attempts to burn and cut cables which power signals at Proof House Junction, south of Birmingham New Street.
The resulting signal failure at 04.00 this morming caused major disruption, with train operators urging people not to travel until the problem had been resolved.
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.”
Train services in and out of the south side of Birmingham New Street station began to run again at around 09.15 after repairs were had been made. However, passengers were advised that it would take some time for timetables to get back to normal. London Midland said it was hoping to be running a full service again by mid-afternoon.