Trains across London hit by major disruption

A broken rail and shortage of signalling staff is causing major disruption to train services between London and both Heathrow Airport and Reading (Alamy/PA) -

Several issues are causing major disruption on trains between London and Heathrow Airport and Reading.

A broken rail and shortage of signalling staff is causing issues to the train services.

Passenger information website National Rail Enquiries warned Elizabeth Line, Great Western Railway and Heathrow Express services are affected.

Trains are unable to run between Heathrow Airport and Paddington, and services between Paddington and Reading are subject to cancellation or delay.

⚠️Services into and out of London Paddington are running at a reduced speed today due to a broken rail.
We’re sorry for any disruption this may cause to your journey.
➡️Please check before travelling with your train operator or @nationalrailenq for latest updates pic.twitter.com/6vKT92orjW

— Network Rail Western (@networkrailwest) November 12, 2024

Disruption is expected to continue until the end of Tuesday.

Network Rail engineers discovered the broken rail on the high-speed line towards London Paddington from Slough/Heathrow.

The defect means the speed limit for trains has been reduced, causing delays.

Meanwhile, a member of signalling staff has been taken ill.

A replacement was due to arrive “on site” at around 8.30am, National Rail Enquiries said.

The affected lines currently are: