24-hour strike by rail workers to cause havoc

Members of the RMT union plan to strike for 24 hours from 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday in a dispute over jobs and pay – and the move is expected to have an impact on roads as more people take to their cars in place of using trains.

The Network Rail strike – expected to be the first UK-wide rail strike in 20 years – is also likely to impact on traffic and travel on Tuesday as many commuters return to work after having a day off.

Bedfordshire residents are asked to consider car-sharing, working from home and postponing meetings where possible, to avoid lengthy delays and the health risks involved in sitting in slow traffic for long periods.

Residents who have to travel during these days are advised to plan their journeys and check travel conditions on the rail and roads before setting off, as well as carrying an emergency kit in their cars.

Bedfordshire Assistant Chief Constable Mike Colbourne said: “We are preparing for the strike to go ahead and the potential disruption this could bring to families going away for the Bank Holiday, and indeed those residents returning to work the following day.

“I would remind all residents of the importance of adhering to the rules of the road and plan ahead so you are not faced with unexpected delays on the railways.”