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A Christmas travel czar has been appointed in an effort to avoid transportation chaos during the holiday period.
Sir Peter Hendy, president of Network Rail, will analyze whether the rail, air and road networks are ready for millions of people to travel during the five-day window when coronavirus restrictions are eased, the Department of Transportation said.
The cheapest train tickets for Christmas trips only went on sale on Friday, about eight weeks later than usual, due to delays in finalizing schedules during the pandemic.
Capacity on board the trains is restricted to allow for social distancing, and some operators prevent passengers from boarding without a pre-booked ticket.
The tension on the grid will also increase with the engineering work to be carried out over the Christmas period.
One of the most disruptive projects will be at London King’s Cross, which will be closed for six days starting on Christmas Day.
London North Eastern Railway, which uses the station for its Anglo-Scottish trains on the East Coast Main Line, warns that alternative routes will be “heavily trafficked and should also be avoided.”
The UK government and decentralized administrations agreed to a temporary easing of coronavirus restrictions over Christmas, allowing three households to mingle in a bubble from December 23 to 27.
The DfT will publish measures aimed at alleviating travel disruption next week, taking into account the analysis of demand for advance train tickets and public surveys.
Transportation Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We recognize that people will want to be with their friends and family during Christmas. And for those who choose to form a Christmas bubble, we will lift travel restrictions in the UK for five days in order to see that bubble.
“Before you travel, plan your trip very carefully and, when possible, book well in advance. Everyone must also follow clear instructions so that you, other passengers, and staff are safe.
“As some advance tickets go on sale and people start planning their trips, we are closely monitoring the demand on the network and have already taken steps to minimize potential disruptions.
“We are currently developing a plan focused on addressing disruptions, which includes running longer trains and relaxing the rules to allow more types of coaches to run, and we will publish more details next week once the demand is clearer.”
A RAC spokesman, Rod Dennis, said: “Our breakdown team is planning for the roads to be busy for ‘the five days of Christmas.’ Last year, drivers told us they planned to make 31 million trips to see family and friends by car before Christmas, but it remains to be seen what the nation’s appetite is for similar trips this year. “
