A power failure on the railways has halted trains and left at least three level crossings with barriers stuck in the down position this morning (Thursday 10 October).
The problems have had a knock-on effect on the roads, with traffic jams in several places as a result.
The train operator Southern said: “Due to failure of the electricity supply between Lewes and Hampden Park Southern services have been stopped between Lewes and Hampden Park.
“This is due to a loss of power to the signalling system.”
Level crossing barriers are stuck in the down position at Polegate, Berwick and Ripe, with queues on surrounding roads.
And in Polegate, the temporary traffic lights just south of the Cophall roundabout have added to the problems, with Willingdon affected, and slow traffic to King’s Drive.
Southern issued a “service plan while response teams work to restore the signalling”.
It said: “Services that run between Brighton and Seaford will not run.
“Services that run between Brighton and Hastings and Ore will not run.
“Services that run between Brighton and Eastbourne will terminate and start back from Lewes.
“Services between London Victoria and Lewes may be amended.”
Passengers can use their train tickets on the alternative bus services between Brighton and Eastbourne.
Stagecoach has, separately, announced that it plans to scrap the 701 along the route, having only started operating the route in May.
