London is expected to see “unprecedented travel demand” over the next few days in the run-up to the Queen’s state funeral next Monday (19 September).
Transport authorities in the UK capital are warning visitors to “plan ahead” with large crowds of mourners and potential disruption to travel services expected from Wednesday (14 September) when the Queen’s coffin is due to be “lying in state” in the Palace of Westminster for several days ahead of the funeral.
“Planning journeys ahead of time using real-time travel information will be essential to avoid unexpected delays and changes, such as short-notice temporary Tube station closures,” advised Network Rail in a statement.
“Passengers should also continue to check real-time travel information throughout their journeys, to take account of any short-notice changes that may take place while they are en route.”
Network Rail is working closely with the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators, and Transport for London (TfL) to manage the expected crowds in the coming days. Plans include running a limited service through the night on some routes.
Andy Byford, London’s transport commissioner, said: “We are working with our partners to keep our city moving smoothly and to ensure that everyone who needs to get around or is planning to attend the memorial events can do so safely.
“While we’re planning to run a normal service, there may be short-notice changes and diversions as a result of the large number of people travelling and necessary road closures.”
Transport authorities warn that there are likely to be changes to normal routes in and around stations in central London to “manage queuing and demand”. There could also be road closures in some areas of the city.
The Rail Delivery Group has announced that there will be fee-free refunds available for holders of anytime, off-peak and super off-peak train tickets for travel during the current “mourning period” up to 19 September, which were booked before the announcement of the Queen’s death on 8 September.