Road Disruption Expected During Rail Strikes

The National Highways Agency is urging drivers to plan ahead as extensive rail disruption adds pressure on the road network.

The biggest rail strike in over 30 years will continue Thursday and Saturday this week, having started on Tuesday. The disruption saw services nationwide reduced to 20% capacity.

The dispute between government and the RMT union focuses on pay and conditions of some 40,000 staff involved in the infrastructure of the rail network, with RMT officials saying a modernisation programme is suggesting job cuts and increasing working hours.

The industry, on the other side, has said commuter habits haven’t returned to normal usage levels meaning it needs to adjust to reach a ‘sustainable footing’.

The impact on roads is anticipated to see a greater volume of traffic, particularly during rush hours at the start and end of the day.

Mel Clarke, Customer Service Director, Operations, at National Highways, said: “Roads could be busier than usual during strike days so we’d recommend that drivers plan journeys in advance and carry out basic checks to make sure vehicles are roadworthy.

“This includes checking tyres, engine oil, water, lights and ensuring you have enough fuel to get to your destination.”

The agency is also urging drivers to plan their journey in advance to avoid getting snarled up in queues, with London particularly affected as a Tube strike on Tuesday provided a double whammy of travel woe for commuters.

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