COACH operators have seen a huge increase in booking as engineering works threaten to disrupt London-bound train services over the coming weekends.

National Express has seen a 600 per cent increase in advanced bookings for its coaches from Clacton to the capital.

It comes as engineering work is taking place on the Abellio Greater Anglia train line between Norwich and London.

Work is planned for every weekend from January 31 to March 22 and will see replacement buses running between Colchester and Billericay.

It means rail passengers travelling between Clacton and London Liverpool Street Station face longer journey times and no direct train services.

National Express UK coach managing director Tom Stables said the works were causing frustration for people trying to reach the capital.

He said: “The planned engineering works look set to throw a spanner in the works by disrupting the trains of those wanting to reach London from Clacton by rail at the weekend.

“However, people are booking our direct coach services instead.

“Our coaches are comfortable, reliable and, above all, affordable, meaning that people can still rely on a public transport service that gets them there with minimal drama.”