One in seven trains missed target of arriving within five minutes of scheduled time

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

The punctuality of Britain’s trains has reached a 12-year low amid disruption caused by extreme weather and timetable changes, according to “damning” statistics that emerged as the government weighs up launching a full-blown rail review.

One in seven trains missed the industry’s target of arriving within five minutes of their scheduled time – or 10 minutes on long-distance services – in the year to 18 August, according to figures from the Office of Road and Rail (ORR).

That means 14% of trains were late, the highest for a 12-month period since the 14.2% recorded in February 2006, the Press Association said.

The latest punctuality data comes in the week that the ORR is due to publish a report into the chaos experienced by rail users affected by the redrawing of timetables.

New timetables took effect on 20 May and affected users of the Northern and Thameslink networks particularly badly, leaving thousands of commuters stranded by reduced or cancelled services.

The debacle came hard on the heels of a spell of freezing weather nicknamed the “Beast from the East”, which crippled parts of the network in February and March.

Peter Vicary-Smith, the chief executive of consumer group Which?, said: “These latest statistics are damning but unsurprising, given a year of delays and cancellations that have left many passengers at their wits’ end.

“We’ve shared hundreds of stories with the regulator – including from people who have frequently missed their child’s bedtimes and faced losing jobs as a result of the chaos.

“With trust in the industry at an all-time low, it is vital that the outcome of any inquiry or review reflects the needs and experiences of passengers.

“As a starting point, the government must introduce auto compensation so that passengers get the money that they are owed.”

Several factors have previously been blamed for the network’s inability to cope with bad weather and timetable changes.

They include delays to electrification projects in the north of England, poor planning by train operators and the decision by transport ministers to phase in the introduction of new Govia Thameslink Railway services.

There is also growing speculation that the government will launch a full-blown review of the railway system this week, amid mounting criticism of a franchising model that has resulted in passengers being hit with annual fare rises despite regular disruption.

Labour’s shadow transport secretary, Andy McDonald, said: “The delays and cancellations on our railways is fast becoming a national disgrace thanks to the Tories.

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“With fares up set to go up by 36% since 2010, it’s clear that passengers are paying more for less.

“Nobody should have to suffer daily delays as part of their commute but under the Tories, passengers are paying through the nose for the privilege of being crammed into late and overcrowded trains.

“The government’s blind obsession with privatisation is putting the future of our railways at risk.

“Labour will do what’s best for passengers and taxpayers by taking the railways into public ownership in order to improve services and cap fares.”