​Storm Doris predicted to hit Southern Network

Passengers are advised to check before travelling tomorrow, Thursday 23rd February as gale force winds from Storm Doris have prompted Network Rail to impose speed restrictions.

On Southern coastal routes from 8am until 5pm, and on the rest of the Southern network from 12pm until 5pm, a 50mph speed restriction will be in place. As a result, there will be changes to some Southern and Gatwick Express services, meaning delays and cancellations on all routes south of East Croydon.

The Metro area is expected to be less affected.

Andy Derbyshire, chief operating officer, Network Rail South East route, said: “Gale force winds are forecast on Thursday, so we’re putting a 50mph speed limit in place to limit the risk to passengers and staff should trees or other objects get blown onto the tracks.

“Your safety is our top priority, so thank you for your understanding and please check before you travel.”

Southern Passenger Services Director, Angie Doll said: "I'm sorry but these speed restrictions will mean that we won't be able to run our full service on some of our routes, with cancellations and delays likely across the Southern network."

Passengers are advised to check before travelling for the latest information about the service. A service summary is available at www.southernrailway.com.

Summary of tomorrow's train alterations

London to Portsmouth/Southampton via Barnham:

Between around 11:00 and 18:00 customers travelling on the route between Southampton/Portsmouth and London may need to change trains at Barnham. Trains to and from London will only be running to and from Bognor Regis.

London Victoria to Brighton:

Between around 11:00 and 18:00 there will only be 1 direct train per hour between London Victoria and Brighton, customers should use Thameslink services to and from London, changing at East Croydon for travel to and from London Victoria.

Ashford to Brighton:

Direct trains from Ashford to Brighton will only run between Ashford and Eastbourne, customers will need to change and use alternative services between Eastbourne and Brighton.

Thameslink: London Bridge to Brighton

There will be no direct service from London Bridge to Brighton between around 11:00 and 18:00, customers should travel to East Croydon and change for alternative trains towards Brighton.

Ticket Acceptance:

To help you complete your journey we have arrange ticket acceptance with the following:

• Tramlink East Croydon to Wimbledon & East Croydon to Elmers End/ Beckenham Junction
• London Underground between London Terminal stations
• Tfl London Buses –Route 405
• Metrobus - Routes 20, 84, 100, 291
• Stagecoach route 700 coastliner buses between Brighton and Littlehampton (buses may not accept tickets in peak hours)
• Thameslink and Southern are accepting each other’s tickets.
• South West Trains services all reasonable routes and additionally between:
• London Waterloo and Portsmouth
• London Waterloo and Southampton
• Portsmouth and Southampton
• Southeastern services all reasonable routes and additionally between:
• London Charing Cross and Tonbridge
• London Charing Cross and Hastings