Something to bear in mind when booking a visa appointment – to add more stress to the mess of recent travel disruption across UK airports, the biggest rail strike in 30 years is predicted to bring the UK’s rail network to a standstill this June.
Scheduled for 21st, 23rd and 25th June 2022, the three day walkout of over 40,000 workers across 13 train operators could result in 6 days of chaos as the knock-on effect of stop-start activity takes hold.
But it’s not just normal commuting that will be affected – there are some big sports and music events scheduled over this period and to cap it all, London Underground workers are also planning to strike on 21st June.
List of events that could be affected:
Glastonbury – 22nd June
Third Test cricket, Leeds – 23rd June
British Athletics Championship, Manchester – 24-25th June
Hyde Park gigs by Elton John (24th June) and The Rolling Stones (25th June)
Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting – 24-25th June
Armed Forces Day – 25th June
Ed Sheeran at Wembley – 25th June
Plan ahead
If you are planning to travel by rail anywhere during the next couple of months, always check for delays, cancellations and reduced services. It can be hard to keep track, so these links may help:
Trainline – Railway Status page
National Rail Enquiries – Service Disruptions – there’s a “Check my journey” search function
Follow National Rail Enquiries on Twitter for live updates
Transport for London have a Status Updates page
For other areas, the website for the main train company in our area is the place to start.
What are the alternatives?
Not much really, unless you like sitting in traffic jams or have access to a helicopter perhaps. Even if you choose bus over car, all vehicles use the same roads, and with London taking the dubious honour of the most congested city in the world according to traffic data gurus Inrix, maybe two wheels might be a better option.
For those who are planning a 4-wheel getaway to the continent, then the good news is that Eurostar don’t believe they’ll be impacted by the strikes. But you do have to get to the Eurostar terminal first so check your trains if you’re planning to change at St Pancras, Ebbsfleet or Ashford International.
If you’re planning to get a ferry from the south coast, then perhaps investigate circumventing England completely and travel from Ireland to Spain – just a thought.
