Platform at most Medway stations are long enough to accommodate the new high speed Javelin train service due to be introduced later this year according to train operator Southeastern.

Last week, Transport Minister Lord Adonis met with commuters, journalists and Labour MP for Gillingham and Rainham, Paul Clark, on a scheduled train from Gillingham to Gravesend.

The journey was part of a seven-day whistle-stop tour of the British rail network.

One of the issues discussed with those on board the train was the size of Medway platforms which were said to be too short for the Japanese Javelin train service, due to start in December.

But a spokesman for Southeastern has insisted three of the five Medway stations, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham, are long enough for the trains.

The other two, Strood and Rochester, have 10-car platforms but a safety device will automatically lock doors when platforms are not long enough.

A Southeastern spokesman explained: “All the trains are equipped with a safety device called Selective Door Opening which automatically locks the doors to the two carriages that are not at a platform and ensures passenger safety.

"In advance of reaching these stations the on board train information system will advise passengers that they should move carriages if they wish to exit the train at one of these stations.

“These systems are currently being used across the network, helping us to provide a safe and comfortable service, while maximising passenger capacity on our trains.”

A preview service with the Javelin trains is expected to be launched in the early summer to give commuters and travellers an opportunity to experience the 140mph service.