Train firm blamed rush hour delays on strong sunshine

Rail passengers have expressed their unhappiness after being told trains were delayed due to “strong sunshine”. Services at Lewisham, south-east London, were disrupted on Monday because of the angle of the sun, the train operator Southeastern said.



When commuter Tom Attwood complained on Twitter about a Southeastern guard "having a meltdown", the rail firm tweeted back: “Apologies we are having issues dispatching trains due to the strong sunshine this morning.”

A spokesman for Southeastern said: “We know that sometimes it seems that if it is not leaves on the line or snow on the track then it is some other weather issue. But actually glare this morning made it impossible for some drivers to see the full length of their train in their mirrors before leaving stations.



“When this happens they have to get out and check to ensure everybody has got on or off the train safely before they can move. This can take a little more time but thankfully for all it doesn’t happen very often.” However, some travellers were unimpressed by the explanation.