Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the punctuality changes to c2c rail services affecting Benfleet station between October 2025 – September 2026 compared to October 2024 – September 2025.

Performance across the c2c network has worsened over the summer months, this is primarily due to Soil Moisture Deficit (SMD) caused by extreme heat. SMD causes the track to become uneven, and to allow the trains to run safely speed restrictions are put in place. Speed restrictions are being removed as soon as possible.

c2c, as part of GBR Anglia, is now run on an integrated basis with Greater Anglia and Network Rail. This closer alignment between track and train will improve performance across the Anglia region and provide an overall better service for passengers. DFTO and Network Rail hold the integrated management of GBR Anglia to account for delivering the highest possible levels of service.

In March 2025, the Department made station specific performance information available, showing punctuality and cancellations at individual stations for the first time. This information can be found at: Performance at stations | ORR Data Portal.