Kent's train services should become more reliable in cold weather, thanks to a new technology being introduced by Network Rail.

Heating strips are being installed across the county, after a successful trial on the Southeastern line between Hastings and Tonbridge.

The insulated metal strips are applied to the third rail – which runs the electricity to the trains – and should stop them icing up in frosty weather.

A spokesman for the rail infrastructure company said: “We've installed 16,000 metres of these heating strips across Kent in 42 locations and they seem to be making a real difference. We’re now going to roll it out across the rest of the county.

“We reckon it reduces about 80 per cent of incidents caused by ice. For example, last Wednesday when we had particularly icy weather, not one train broke down on the line between Hastings and Tonbridge. In similar conditions without the heating strips, we think possibly half a dozen trains might have broken down.”

Mainline

Rail services in Kent are particularly susceptible to disruptions caused by freezing temperatures, because they are mostly run by third rail electricity.

That means the trains draw their power from a rail, rather than an overhead cable. If a layer of ice forms on top of it, that prevents the power from reaching the train.

Network Rail added: “If we were putting in the lines today, we would not have third rail electrics. But there is obviously a cost implication and that would have to be funded either by the passenger or the taxpayer."

The heating strips will not solve all of Kent’s commuter woes – as they are not designed to deal with heavy snow.