Connex is facing a £1.65 million fine for its poor rail service at the start of the year.

The fine, imposed by the Strategic Rail Authority, is more than six times the amount imposed for the same period last year.

But managers at Connex South Eastern, which runs services from London through East Sussex to Hastings, blamed the poor performance on the weather.

They said heavy snow caused electrical shorts in the ageing rolling stock and freezing temperatures led to points icing over.

The resulting delays, disruptions and cancellations left weary commuters angry and cold.

January was officially one of the worst months on record for trains arriving late or not at all.

A Connex spokeswoman said: "Our service was not good enough. We acknowledge that and we are extremely sorry. We pay the penalty when our service is not right."

However, she said the service would improve. The first of the modern £1 million-a-carriage 375 trains were now in service and more were gradually being introduced.

"Ultimately, the service will get better," she promised.