The increase in reports of faulty equipment has raised suspicions that drivers are making up the problems to boost their grievance

Train drivers involved in a dispute about who closes carriage doors have caused a rise in claims over malfunctioning equipment in recent months, it has been claimed.

The increase in reports to Southern Rail, which is embroiled in a bitter industrial dispute, has raised suspicions that drivers are making up the alleged problems to boost their cause. Southern Rail has experienced a rise in recent months in allegations that cameras that allow drivers to shut doors on their own are breaking down. Every alleged fault reported means the train is taken out of service leading to further delays.

Jeremy Quin, the Conservative MP for Horsham, raised the issue with the transport department after being on a train at Horsham in Sussex when a camera malfunction