RAIL operator First Capital Connect is running an emergency timetable today (Friday) due to the continuing freezing weather.

As parts of the country endured the coldest night of the winter so far, FCC has reintroduced measures on its Great Northern route, which runs through Times Territory.

A spokesman said: “To provide the most robust service possible, we will be operating the emergency timetable that was in place on Wednesday.

“The extreme cold has led to many train, power, track and signalling failures.

“Although we have a full winter preparedness plan in place, it is extremely difficult to manage these abnormal, sustained low temperatures.

“This is having a severe impact on our service for which we sincerely apologise.”

Affected stations include Knebworth, Welwyn North, WGC, Hatfield, Welham Green, Brookmans Park, Potters Bar, Watton-at-Stone and Cuffley.

Between 7.30am and 8.30am, London-bound services were not stopping at Knebworth or Welwyn North due to overcrowding problems on trains.

Passengers were advised to travel north to Stevenage, to catch services there.