Good Morning Britain was halted on Friday as Kate Garraway and Robert Rinder delivered an urgent news flash.
The hosts relayed the unfolding chaos caused by extensive train cancellations nationwide. A “nationwide fault” has been reported, causing severe rush-hour disturbances within the National Rail system.
In his update, Robert informed viewers: “More details now on the major disruption to the train network.”
Enhancing the urgency, Kate then said: “Yeah, well, our correspondent, Nick Dickson, is at Victoria station to give us an update; Nick. Is there any more clarity on what’s going on here?”
Nick broadcast live via video link from Victoria station: “There seems to be a problem or some kind of fault with the comms system on board trains, which the drivers use to talk to the signalling stations. It’s causing an awful amount of disruption here at Victoria,” reports .
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Kate Garraway and Robert Rinder issued a breaking news report (Image: ITV)
National Rail disclosed that the ongoing problem under scrutiny impacts services across the entire network. They attributed the delays to a hitch in the communication apparatus train drivers and signal operators used, triggering late departures.
The rail authority asserted: “There is a nationwide fault with the communication system used between train drivers and signallers. As a result, services across the National Rail network may be subject to disruption this morning.”
Rail services nationwide are facing disruptions due to a nationwide technical issue with the onboard GSMR radio system, which enables communication between train drivers and signal operators. An investigation is currently underway to resolve the problem.
National Rail has advised passengers to check their journeys before travelling, as trains are being delayed and some may be cancelled or altered. They warned: “Trains across the network are having to start their journeys later because of this fault, and some may also be subject to cancellations or alterations.”
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reporter Nick gave an update outside Victoria station (Image: itv)
Passengers are advised to allow extra time for their journey and monitor live departure boards for updates. South Western Railway is among the operators that have cancelled some services, citing the national communication systems issue.
In a statement to passengers, they explained: “We have been informed of a national issue with communication systems affecting service this morning. This means that trains may be delayed before they start their journey.
“This is because it is preventing our train drivers from contacting the respective signalling centre this morning, and a reset is having to be performed before the train can start its journey.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1.