A train company has been ordered to remove a misleading website claim that it offered the fastest journey on a key rail route to Gatwick Airport. Southern claimed its Gatwick Express service was the fastest way between Gatwick Airport and central London.

But having received a complaint, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled the claim was misleading.

It said it had told Southern to remove the claim from its website and to ensure it “held robust substantiation before making comparative claims in the future.”

The ASA said the company had pointed out that its service to Gatwick went from the more centrally placed London station of Victoria while the First Capital Connect Gatwick service went typically to and from London Bridge station.

Southern had also pointed to quicker journey times but the ASA said the data did not show that Gatwick Express was the fastest service between Gatwick and central London.

A Southern spokesman said the company was “disappointed” by the ruling.

He added: “Our service is held up as an example for other railair links across the world as we offer a dedicated, nonstop and fast train connection.”