The switch-on of a new signalling system in South London, which was due to close large parts of the National Rail and London Overground networks, from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February, is being re-planned to later in 2024.

Trains in the Tooting, Crystal Palace, Tulse Hill and Peckham Rye areas will now run as normal from Monday 12 through to Friday 16 February.

However, services will still be impacted on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February while preparatory work is carried out.

Network Rail is now working with train operators to secure another date later in the year when the new, more reliable signalling will be completed, fully tested and brought into use.

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The upgrades taking place between Crystal Palace, Tulse Hill and Peckham Rye are part of a programme of investment in track and signalling upgrades worth more than £400 million that Network Rail is delivering in South London. The work will see the old and unreliable 1980s signalling equipment replaced with the latest technology to improve journeys for passengers, along with track upgrades at key locations on the network.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "We've seen a 55% reduction in signalling delays following the switch-on of the renewed signalling between Balham and Victoria, and we’re expecting similar benefits from this.

"However, following internal reviews which form a critical part of the robust assurance process for any large-scale project of this kind, we’ve decided to re-plan the commissioning phase of this project and will announce a new date as soon as we can.

"We will still close these sections of track on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January as this will allow us to carry out critical work ahead of the commissioning to minimise disruption for passengers later.

"While we're disappointed we can't give passengers these benefits by February, we’re working closely with operators to bring the new system into use as soon as possible."