Rail services in and out of London remain “severely disrupted” because of signalling problems.

First Capital Connect, which runs services on the Great Northern Route, serving Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Potters Bar, Brookmans Park, Welwyn North and Cuffley, has said only a limited number of trains will run this evening.

A statement on the company’s website said: “We anticipate running only a very limited service this evening on the Great Northern route, so please travel only if necessary and to use alternative routes if possible.

“First Class is declassified for the rest of the day and evening peak restrictions have been lifted.”

Replacement bus services are running between Stevenage and all stations to Potters Bar, then Cockfosters in both directions.

There is also a replacement service between Hatfield and St Albans.

The delays have been caused by signalling problems between New Barnet and Alexandra Palace.