Government Responsible For Avoidable Rail Chaos

TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, has rounded on the Government after new restrictions for London and the South East of England led to thousands of passengers rushing to train stations in a bid to leave the capital.

New tough Tier 4 Covid restrictions came into for force at midnight, with Ministers throwing carefully crafted plans by the rail industry for safe travel over the festive period into disarray.

Commenting, Manuel Cortes said:

“It’s ridiculous that the Prime Minister, having said that Christmas will go ahead as planned on Wednesday, decides on Saturday afternoon to tell people in London and the South East that this is no longer is the case.

“Of course that would lead to chaos at our rail stations - which could have been avoided. The Tory government's mixed messaging has been a problem from the start of this pandemic and has hampered attempts to control the virus.

“Their latest U-turn is possibly the cruellest of the lot as millions have seen their hopes of spending time with their loved ones dashed, very late in the day. However, given the circumstances with the virus it’s vital people in London and the South East now only use public transport for essential travel.

“Our union also welcomes officers from British Transport Police patrolling mainline stations so that our members and essential workers can remain safe and there’s no repeat of overcrowding.”