Christmas Eve closure of King’s Cross station postponed to allow festive travel as roadworks cleared

Families will be able to reunite with greater ease over Christmas under Government plans to smooth transport networks over the festive period.

More than 700 miles of roadworks will be cleared and scheduled rail engineering work put on ice to help ease travel across the country between December 23 and 27.

The planned closure of London King’s Cross station on Christmas Eve for major works has been postponed from the afternoon until the end of service to ease congestion for people making getaway journeys.

The West Coast Main Line will reopen earlier than planned on December 27, allowing a full Sunday service to run from 10am rather than midday. Longer trains will also run on the route during the Christmas period.

The Government and devolved administrations have agreed a temporary easing of coronavirus restrictions, allowing three households to mix in a bubble from December 23 to 27.

It is hoped the plans will reduce travel disruption across UK networks
PA

As part of the Department of Transport’s plans, some 778 miles of restrictions on motorways and A-roads in England will be cleared ahead of December 23. 

Where essential roadworks must continue speed limits will be set at 60mph where possible, including on key routes such as the M6 and M1, to keep disruption to a minimum.

Announcing the news on Thursday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “With many people carefully considering whether to travel to see loved ones this Christmas, we’re taking steps to try to ease journeys.

“Clearing 778 miles of road works and postponing rail upgrade works will ease congestion, minimise disruption and allow extra services to run.

“That action is backed by scrapping the admin fees for changing Advance rail tickets, ensuring a strong staff presence to help people on their way.”

Admin fees of up to £10 for changing Advance tickets bought for specific trains before Covid tiers were announced on November 26 are being waived to encourage people to comply with the new restrictions.

Ministers have written to local authorities in England to request they lift as many roadworks as possible and ensure bus services run reliably, to ease traffic on local roads.

Mr Shapps said Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy, who was appointed Christmas travel tsar last week, is carrying out a “rigorous assessment” of transport services to ensure “everything possible is being done to help”.

He added: “We ask everyone to closely consider their journey, plan and book ahead, be patient, and be considerate of fellow passengers – and particularly staff who have worked so hard all year – by following the guidance carefully, including keeping space and wearing a face covering on public transport.”

Sir Peter said: “The measures announced today will help ease congestion, boost capacity and minimise disruption for travellers.

“I will continue to work closely with all operators and offer recommendations that will see people home safely for Christmas.”

The news came as the Welsh government announced an easing of travel restrictions between Wales and other parts of the UK.

New regulations, which come into force at 6pm on Friday, will permit travel to and from Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas of England.

However, non-essential travel will remain prohibited between Wales and Tier 3 areas of England, and Level 3 or Level 4 areas of Scotland.

Current regulations, imposed after Wales’ firebreak lockdown ended on November 9, prohibit people from travelling between Wales and other parts of the UK without a reasonable excuse.