'They've had weeks to prepare for this!' Commuters heading back to work slam London mayor Sadiq Khan's claims that 75% of services are running again as they wait 15 minutes for a Tube
- Rail passengers will be required to wear face coverings during their journey and book seats on many services
- Some rail companies proposing to allocate time-restricted 'travel slots' at stations to prevent overcrowding
- Sadiq Khan has said he will bring services up to 70% of capacity today - but many European cities are at 100%
- Mayor of London has also brought back the congestion charge - two weeks early - reimposed from today
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Sadiq Khan today said that Tube services are now running at 75 per cent of pre-lockdown levels - but commuters returning to work have questioned his claims as they waited long periods for trains on packed platforms where social distancing was impossible.
Unions have also alleged that more Underground trains could have been running today but drivers were sent home if they raised concerns about 'health and safety'.
Tens of thousands more Britons are heading back into work today but gaps between trains were still up to 15 minutes with critics demanding the Mayor of London provides a full service like in European cities such as Berlin.
Transport for London said today that Tube services are back at 75%, DLR and London Overground at 80% and buses at 85% of pre-lockdown capacity as Boris Johnson encouraged people to return to work if they can't work from home.
But commuters questioned tose figures because of the gaps between some trains - and one union claimed that drivers were sent home today after raising safety concerns.
ASLEF chief Finn Brennan said: 'Bizarre situation this morning where Underground managers are sending home drivers who raise H&S concerns..meaning fewer drivers available..so fewer trains!' He added: 'It's disappointing and worrying that so many people are still using the tube without face covering this morning. They are risking the safety of staff and other passengers'.
Peter Moore, who was commuting from Kent to Victoria station told MailOnline: ‘I waited twice as long for a train than I had to prior to the lockdown. I know that there’s not a full service operating but that needs to happen quickly because there’s going to be more passengers. They’ve had plenty of time to prepare for people to return to work and they should have had a full service by now.’
Raymond Campbell, who had travelled on the Piccadilly Line from Hounslow Central to Earls Court Tube station fumed: ‘I waited almost 15 minutes for a train and that’s not acceptable. Normally they come along every two or three minutes. We need more Tube trains to be running as quickly as possible because the number of passengers will only increase.’
Shop worker Dinesh Shukla, who was returning to work for the first time said: ‘The platform was quite crowded because we had to wait a lot longer for a train. I don’t understand why there isn’t a full service'.
There was also confusion growing over whether commuters should wear masks and it was revealed that stations will be shut if they get too busy with security teams brought in to manage crowds.
Sadiq Khan has said that people catching the Tube or bus should cover their faces but in contrast Sir Peter Hendy, chairman of Network Rail, said that face coverings are not mandatory on mainline trains with commuters claiming 'hardly anyone' is wearing them.
Sir Peter said: 'We are relying on people to be sensible. We are doing our best too. We want people to stay apart if they humanly can and if they can't, then a face covering is a quite sensible thing to do for the brief moments when you might be getting on or off a train or moving through a station'. He added: 'We have processes to close stations if they become too full'.
Roads also appeared busier today as Sadiq Khan brought back the congestion charge two weeks early - before the price rises from £11.50 to £15 next month and is imposed on weekends for the first time.
As Britain's travel network edged back to normal, it was also revealed today:
- Boris Johnson will not vary lockdown rules across the country - despite the R coronavirus infection rate ranging widely in different regions;
- Government announces £130million plan to manufacture Oxford Covid-19 jab the moment it's proved to work, so UK can have 30 million doses ready by Autumn and be first nation to get it;
- Europeans pack onto beaches and throng to bars and cafes as life begins to return to normal on the continent;
- But the World Health Organisation has said that Europe must prepare for a second deadly wave of the coronavirus;
There is a large police presence at Waterloo station in London today as train and Tube services headed back to 70 per cent to accomodate more workers
Stewards line up at Britain's busiest railway station for interchanges, Clapham Junction in south-west London, as train services were increased today
Social distancing was not possible on the Jubilee Line into London today and the majority were not wearing masks
The majority of people who crammed on to this Tube train at Canning Town before 7am today were not wearing face masks as Britain returns to work
Tube services are being returned to 70 per cent of capacity today but many say that it should be at 100% to maintain social distancing
Commuters at London Bridge Station this morning after the prime Minister Boris Johnson said the public should be encouraged to head back to work if they can't work from home
Signs warning people not to travel without face coverings and hand sanitiser stations have appeared at Tube stations
Traffic builds up on the A102 in Greenwich on the approach to the Blackwall Tunnel in south-east London as Sadiq Khan brought the congestion charge back in central London today
Sadiq Khan has again urged people to stay at home unless they have to leave - but people on public transport have complained there were not enough face masks
Traffic in London remains way short on pre-lockdown levels - but are increasing every day as more people return to work
Travellers now face major changes on the railways and Tube as services including mandatory booking of seats on some routes or face not being able to board. And going forward commuters could even be told to book a slot to enter their local railway station to prevent overcrowding, with stewards brought in to manage crowds at Clapham Junction today - Europe's busiest station by interchanges. Police and security guards were also deployed at other stations to prevent rush hour surges.
And as many more people started working today, panicked passengers complained of packed trains and some mainline services ran with half the usual number of carriages. They have also been told to allow for social distancing - but despite floor stickers being installed on trains in European cities to ensure people stay two metres apart - they don't appear to have been put in on the Tube.
Sadiq Khan warned during rush hour this morning that 'lockdown has not been lifted', adding: 'London's doing an incredible job slowing the spread of #COVID19, but if we're to prevent a disastrous second wave we must all continue to stay at home as much as possible and avoid any unnecessary travel, especially on public transport. Don't let up now. Let's keep it going'.
Mr Khan's transport chief Heidi Alexander today urged people to stay away from public transport as many more people were due to return, and tweeted: 'LONDON: please don't use public transport unless you really have to. Work at home if you can. Don't travel first thing. Wear a face covering. And always wash your hands before and after you travel'.
But those who commuted into major cities today complained that while there were more trains - services were not up to scratch. The Tube was also busy again in rush hour, especially on routes from east London into central London most used by blue collar workers such as those in the construction industry.
And While Edward Reeves. who travelled to London on a Greater Anglia service tweeted: Why was the 0443 service to LST from Colchester this morning only a 4 carriage? It's usually an 8 carriage. Social distancing is difficult enough without halving the capacity of a train'.
London's Victoria station was not as busy as expected with the expected deluge of commuters failing to materialise. Around 50 security staff were on duty to ensure passengers maintained social distance and signs had also been erected urging commuters to stay two meters apart.
Amarjit Singh, 50 who had travelled from Welling, south-east London to Victoria to return to work on a construction site for the first time since the lockdown said: 'It wasn't as bad as I was expecting. The train was not as busy as it usually is, but I had to wait a lot longer for it because I was told that services are not as frequent.
'I'm worried that once things return back to normal, which they are slowly doing, it will not be as easy to maintain social distance and that it may lead to an increase in coronavirus infections. We need more trains because very soon there are going to be a lot more passengers.'
Sirrin Bena, 24 who was returning to his job as a lettings agent and had travelled from Kent said: 'It was actually quite pleasant being on the train because there was hardly anybody on it.
'I was doing this commute every day prior to the lockdown and today is my first day back. I thought it would be very busy, but it hasn't been, which is good. But I waited around 20 minutes for the train, which is double the amount of time I usually do. We need a full service up and running so that we can travel to work safely.'
Dora Howard, 52, who works in a studio and had travelled to Victoria from south-east London said: 'I actually return to work last week and the train's have not been that busy. I think most people are still working from home or travelling to work in cars.
'There's plenty of space on the trains at the moment and it's very easy to find a seat and keep your distance. But I'm waiting longer for trains and I'm worried that they will become busier as time passes. The service needs to be running at 100% as soon as possible.'
NHS worker Nina Bual, 48 who has been commuting from Purely, south-east London to Victoria throughout the lockdown said: 'I've noticed that the trains are getting busier but not as packed as they usually are.
'But they're not as frequent and you have to wait long for them. While most people are still working from home, what concerns me is how long that is going to last? Let's get a full train and tube service up and running as quickly as possible before we see the usual rush hour chaos.'
King's Cross Station, one of London's busiest transport hubs, was almost deserted on Monday morning despite a drive to get more trains running to get Britain back to work.
Train companies are increasing services to 70% of standard timetable capacity, industry body the Rail Delivery group said.
But to enable social distancing, many services are running at just 10% of normal capacity and passengers are still being urged to avoid all non-essential travel.
The King's Cross concourse was dotted with stickers reading 'Protect your NHS, stay 2M apart', while regular announcements urged people to stick to social distancing measures.
There were many more staff on duty than travellers, as well as several police officers on patrol around the station and neighbouring St Pancras.
The few commuters waiting for trains were mostly pessimistic about how well everyone would be able to keep two metres apart once passenger numbers start to rise.
Last night Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that he understood booking in advance was not as convenient for passengers, but it was important to help stop the spread of the virus.
Rail operators are also likely to scrap first-class carriages to free up space so commuters can sit further apart, with season ticket holders refunded and given standard passes.
In the weeks ahead, some rail companies on commuter routes are also proposing to allocate time-restricted 'travel slots' to enforce staggered commute times. Operators have agreed that train guards will no longer walk up the aisles checking tickets.
Buffet cars and trolleys are to be axed and passengers will be discouraged from eating their own food and drink on board.
Although timetables will be restored to 70 per cent of normal levels, passengers are being urged to stay at home amid fears of crowding.
The Government has said that people should still only travel for limited reasons such as going to work if they cannot do their job from home. Public transport should be avoided where possible, with people using cars, walking or cycling if they can.
Those who must use train services will be asked to limit contact with staff and ticket machines by downloading e-tickets to smartphones.
They will also be required to wear face coverings – different from medical masks – during their journey. Passengers will face queues to get into stations at the busiest times.
Commuters leave London Bridge Station and walk down Tooley Street this morning where pavements were far busier than they had been over the past two months
This bus passenger in north London posted this picture on the top deck where people were clearly not two metres apart
Passengers board and leave a train at a station in Bracknell, Berkshire, as train services increase for the first time since lockdown
To allow for social distancing, passengers on at least four major lines will be told to reserve a seat in advance if they have to travel. Pictured: Liverpool Street Rail Station in London
Passengers face major changes on the railways as services are ramped back up to 70 per cent of normal levels today. Pictured: Passengers wear face masks at Liverpool Street Rail Station in London
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that he understood booking in advance was not as convenient for passengers, but it was important to help stop the spread of the virus. Pictured: Passengers social distance in the queue at Liverpool Street Rail Station in London
Pictured: Liverpool Street Rail Station in London
Operators also have powers to close busy platforms and use social media to warn passengers to stay away. A vast public information campaign has been introduced at stations.
Ministers are braced for a potential clash from transport unions, which are deeply opposed to any increase in services and have threatened to walk out if social distancing is not observed.
Union leaders are calling on the Government to issue free face masks to passengers and to make sure social distancing is enforced.
To control passenger numbers, London North Eastern Railway has announced it will only accept customers with advance tickets.
The operator said numbers on board each train will be limited to a fifth of seats. Avanti is also asking passengers to pre-book – along with Great Western Railway and Chiltern Railways.
Dave Kaye, of rail giant Abellio, said: 'This is going to be a game changer for travel habits. I think it's a paradigm shift in rail travel.'
He added: 'We may have to become slightly closer to airline-style pricing, meaning tickets might cost more or less on certain days or at certain times.'
Mr Shapps told the Mail last night: 'From today we're introducing an important new ticketing system to help fight the spread of Covid-19 and keep the travelling public safe.
'Until further notice, anyone wishing to travel on either the Avanti or LNER cross-country services should book their ticket in advance.
'This change will enable social distancing for all passengers by allowing us to block off certain seats and provide a safer environment for everyone.
'We understand that this isn't as convenient as walking up and purchasing your ticket, but I know the travelling public will understand that – in these exceptional times – we want to take every possible measure to help people stay alert and stop the spread of the disease. The system is likely to be extended to other inter-city services soon.'
By car, by bike and on foot... tourists ignore stay away plea
By Rebecca Camber Chief Crime Correspondent for The Daily Mail
Day-trippers flocked to parks and beaches yesterday to take advantage of the loosening of lockdown, ignoring pleas from tourism bosses to stay away.
Roads surrounding beauty spots in the Peak District and locations including Birling Gap on the South Coast were jammed with traffic as visitors ventured out to enjoy the warm weather.
National police chief Martin Hewitt had pledged a continued crackdown on large gatherings but city parks, seaside promenades and national parks were crammed with those meeting for picnics and parties.
In Lancashire, police were astonished to find a mother had laid on a baby shower in a communal play area with dozens of guests, a buffet and bouncy castle.
Walkers, runners, dog owners and cyclists flock to Wimbledon Common in London yesterday
When two community officers tried to break up the event in Morecambe, they were told it did not matter as 'schools were going back' soon while some of the party-goers became abusive.
In Telford, Shropshire, police shut down a rave attended by 70 revellers who said they were 'sick of self-isolation'. West Mercia Police said a DJ had set up the party at Granville Country Park on Saturday night.
Over the weekend, the Peak District National Park urged day-trippers not to visit the area after car parks filled up. On Twitter, they said: 'This area [Langsett] is extremely busy with car parks currently full and social distancing difficult.
'Please don't travel to the area or park outside designated bays.' But tourists simply parked up on local roads instead.
Cars fill up the verges as day-trippers head off to the cliffs at Birling Gap near Beachy Head in East Sussex
In Dartmoor car parks were closed due to overcrowding which made them too busy for social distancing.
The Dartmoor Ranger Team asked visitors to stay away from locations including Bellever, Two Bridges, Postbridge, Newbridge, Hennock, reservoirs and sites on the western side of Dartmoor. There were similar scenes at Birling Gap, near Eastbourne, East Sussex, where visitors parked on grass verges to stroll along the clifftop.
In Brighton, the council asked people to stay away from its seafront but yesterday the promenade was packed as temperatures soared.
A couple were told they faced prosecution for travelling from Scotland to Snowdonia to camp beside Lake Geirionydd.
Hundreds of motorcyclists descended on Matlock Bath in Derbyshire, where the appeared to ignore social distancing rules yesterday
Hundreds of bikers flooded into Matlock Bath in the Peak District, a popular destination for motorcyclists. Passers-by said they were shocked as the bikes lined the main street while visitors were enjoying ice creams and fish and chips.
Steve Manion, 30, said: 'It was disgusting. There were bunches of people brushing up against each other. No one was adhering to social distancing.'
In the Yorkshire Dales, campers were fined after pitching tents near Surrender Bridge, Swaledale. Police are set to face more problems enforcing the rules with Wednesday predicted to be the hottest day of the year with temperatures predicted to climb as high as 27C (80.6F).
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2020-05-18 09:32:24Z
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