A new approach, which looks at the way that railways carry out crucial maintenance and inspections across Kent, is being expanded this year to make it more efficient.

The new programme is being delivered by South Eastern Railway (Southeastern and Network Rail Kent Route partnership) and follows on from two trials, which have been successful.

This programme of work will involve a series of timetable alterations, with the first beginning on the 7th July until the 11th July.

Previously, maintenance has been carried out overnight to prevent major disruption; however, following further planning, inspections will be taking place during the off-peak part of the day to allow for daylight inspections.

Carrying out maintenance during the day will allow for more accurate visual inspections, and it will allow more time for maintenance tasks that can only be completed when no trains are running during the night.

There will be savings from reducing the overnight work, which can be reinvested back into the railway and will help deliver more long-term reliability.

Four routes will be affected by timetable changes over the next six months:

• Maidstone East – Ashford International
• Sheerness – Sittingbourne
• Strood – Paddock Wood
• Tonbridge – Ashford

Further information can be found on Southeastern’s website, and journey planners have already been updated with the alterations.

“Carrying out more inspections during the day has been made possible by the South Eastern Railway’s joint decision making and shared emphasis on doing the right thing for our people, our customers, and the taxpayer.

“We know it is more efficient to do maintenance inspections in daylight rather than in the early hours of the morning. This increased schedule over the coming months strikes the right balance between the needs of our passengers and the infrastructure maintenance that is required to keep trains running.

“I want to thank our customers for bearing with us while we carry out this essential work to deliver better journeys. A small number of changes have been made to our timetable in the quieter, off-peak periods, so please plan ahead and check before you travel.”

Scott Brightwell, South Eastern Railway’s Safety, Planning and Performance Director