UK travel news: Millions passengers face disruption amid heavy floods
Millions of travellers are expected to travel for Christmas today
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Your support makes all the difference.For the next two weeks, millions of rail passengers will find journeys across Britain difficult. They will be hit by a combination of Network Rail engineering work, strikes and nature.
UK airports will also be busy over the festive period, with millions of passengers expected to pass through on midwinter trips.
Drivers are 15 per cent more likely to speed between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, than the rest of the year, according to data from telematics insurance firm insurethebox.
“Young drivers might be rushing between seeing family and friends during the Christmas break without realising the increased risk of speed” said Gary Stewart, service manager at insurethebox.
“They also need to think about the increased risk on rural roads, due to higher speed limits, tight corners and narrow lanes, as well as hazards caused by inclement weather conditions.”
There are currently 80 flood warnings in place across England, in locations stretching from Yorkshire to the south coast.
A further 192 alerts have been issued – highlighting a risk of flash flooding and standing water amid forecasts of rain and plunging temperatures.
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There will be 13 breakdowns every minute between today and Christmas Day, according to Green Flag.
That equals 57,927 breakdowns on UK roads over the next two days.
The breakdown cover provider is urging motorists to check their vehicles before setting off.
Simon Henrick, head of news at Green Flag, says: “With additional people out and about on the roads this Christmas, whether it’s to visit friends and family, or squeezing in the all-important last-minute Christmas shopping, we are encouraging drivers to carry out the relevant car safety checks to avoid car faults and breakdowns.
"This, coupled with the potential adverse weather conditions at this time of year, we advise only making long journeys if absolutely necessary.”
Law firm Bott and Co has ranked UK airlines based on the number of flight delays and cancellations during the Christmas period last year, with British Airways coming out top.
According to data provided by Lennoc Flight Intelligence, Bott and Co found that the British flag carrier came top with 56 disrupted flights; followed by easyJet with 55 delayed and cancelled flights; and Flybe with more than 50 flights subject to delays and cancellations.
David Bott, senior partner at Bott and Co said: “People often make special plans and there is a general increase in travellers over the holidays. With this in mind and circumstances such as winter weather and airline crew holiday and sickness affecting flight times, airlines should have contingency plans in place.
"It’s also important that people know their rights if they are affected by a delayed flight but it’s surprising how many are still unaware.
"Under EU Regulation 261/2004, a passenger is entitled to compensation of up to €600 if their flight is delayed by more than three hours and is not caused by extraordinary circumstances. Missed connections within and outside of the EU and flight cancellations made within 14 days of departure are also claimable should they meet the qualifying criteria.”
LNER has warned that its services will be busy during the Christmas period, and that passengers who don't have a seat reservation may end up standing for their journey.
The train operator has put together a handy calendar detailing when the busiest times to travel will be:
Just in...
West Midlands Trains says: "A shortage of train crew on the West Midlands network is resulting in fewer trains than usual being able to run at Birmingham Snow Hill."
National Rail is warning passengers of disruption to Southeastern services through Shortlands until the end of service tomorrow, Tuesday 24 December.
Although a white Christmas is unlikely, the RAC is still advising drivers to brush up on their knowledge of driving in snow and ice in preparation for the New Year. Tips include checking tyres, wipers and screenwash; planning your journey in advance; leaving extra time; and keeping warm clothes and blankets in the car in case of a breakdown.
Christmas Eve is looking fairly bright, weather-wise, according to the Met Office - although some showers are predicted across the North and West.
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