Mourners heading to London for the Queen’s funeral are told to brace for days of travel chaos as capital prepares for its ‘biggest challenge in history’
- Andy Byford said ‘millions’ expected to descend on the city ahead of the funeral
- Management would be dealt with ‘minute by minute’ from a command centre
- Between today and Monday rail operators will put on about 1,000 extra trains
- Chaos also set for near tube stations close to Westminster and royal landmarks
Mourners should brace themselves for days of travel chaos as London faces its ‘biggest challenge in history’, the capital’s transport chief warned yesterday.
Andy Byford said that the management of the ‘millions’ expected to descend on the city ahead of the funeral would be dealt with ‘minute by minute’ from a command centre.
It is understood, however, that officials are more concerned about throngs leaving simultaneously after the funeral than the build-up to it when mourners should arrive in manageable trickles. Between today and Monday rail operators will put on about 1,000 extra trains, with some running services throughout the night to help visitors get home.
‘Millions’ are expected to descend on London ahead of the funeral. Pictured are people standing in line on the Thames Embankment as tens of thousands join queues to see Queen Elizabeth II lying in state at Westminster Hall
Members of the public pay their respects as they pass the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II. The late monarch’s funeral will take place on Monday. Mourners should brace themselves for days of travel chaos as London faces its ‘biggest challenge in history’
Avanti West Coast, which connects London with Birmingham and Manchester, is unable to lay on extra trains this weekend amid a long-running industrial dispute. Travellers should also brace themselves for chaos around London Underground stations closest to Westminster, where the funeral is taking place, and royal landmarks.
To help drivers, National Highways has paused the planned closures of motorways serving London in an effort to reduce disruption.
Mr Byford said: ‘This is huge. This is the biggest event and challenge that TfL has faced in its history and we must rise to that challenge.’
Source: Read Full Article
