Media centre

Monday 11 Apr 2016

Vandalism suspected cause of rail disruption at Birmingham New Street

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

Vandalism was the likely cause of widespread disruption affecting passengers in and out of Birmingham today, Network Rail said (Mon 11 April).

Pictures released by Network Rail show apparent attempts to burn and cut cables powering signals at Proof House junction, south of Birmingham New Street station.

The resulting signal failure, in the early hours of today, caused major disruption to thousands of people’s journeys.

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 resumed around 9.15am after repairs were made, however passengers are being advised that it will take some time for timetables to get back to normal.

If you have any information about this incident, or any other, please contact the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016.

Passengers travelling on routes through Birmingham are advised to check before they travel as trains and stations are likely to be very busy. The latest information is at www.nationalrail.co.uk.