Train passengers face further disruption today after South West Trains (SWT) announced it will continue running a “special timetable” due to the freezing weather.

The rail operator said its staff were working “round the clock” and will try and re-open the Hampton Court line “as soon as possible”.

However, SWT said the weather will force it to revise its timetable for trains from London Waterloo to Reading and Kingston, via Richmond.

It said its Hampton Court branch will run no service today.

Forecasters predicted freezing temperatures, sleet and ice across SWT lines last night and this morning. SWT ran ghost trains through the night to clear the conductor rail.

SWT advised passengers to check for updates before travelling and allow extra time to complete their journey.

Andy Pitt, managing director for SWT, said: “We are working very hard with Network Rail to get services to customers back to normal as soon as we possibly can and we would like to thank them for their continuing patience.

“However, the sub-zero temperatures and icy conditions in southern England are continuing to affect our network and we have taken the decision to run a special timetable on Tuesday, December 21.

“We want to give our passengers certainty in terms of when and how they are going to get to their destination, and to ensure our trains and crews are best placed to deliver a reliable timetable.”

He added: "We understand the impact that running a special timetable has on our passengers and would like to thank them for their ongoing patience, and apologise for the inconvenience caused during these difficult conditions.”

To view the revised timetable, visit southwesttrains.co.uk.

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