London Travel Alert: Bank Holiday Traffic and Rail Disruptions

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Major traffic delays and public transport disruptions are expected across London and the wider UK over the upcoming bank holiday weekend, as millions prepare to travel for short breaks.

The RAC has forecast approximately 17.6 million car journeys across the UK between Friday and Monday, putting significant pressure on major roads. Drivers are advised to expect congestion, particularly in the South East and South West, where traffic is likely to be heaviest.

Transport networks are also facing challenges from planned rail strikes. Workers at CrossCountry, members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, are striking on Saturday and Monday, potentially causing cancellations, revised timetables, and delays across multiple services.

Commuters in London are encountering delays on key Underground lines following earlier signalling failures and power supply problems.

The Piccadilly line is experiencing severe delays after a signal failure near Gloucester Road. Passengers are advised that London buses, the Elizabeth Line, Weaver Line, Great Northern, and South Western Railway services are accepting tickets as alternatives.

The Jubilee line is also affected due to a power supply issue at Neasden train care depot, with delays expected to continue. London buses, the Mildmay line, DLR, Elizabeth Line, C2C, and Thameslink services are accepting tickets to help passengers reach their destinations.

Gatwick Express services between London Victoria and Brighton are disrupted due to signalling faults between Gatwick Airport and Haywards Heath, with delays expected until around 11.00.

Other affected routes include:

Southern services between London Victoria and Littlehampton, Eastbourne, Hastings, and Ore

Thameslink services between Cambridge, Bedford, Haywards Heath, and Brighton

Trains on these routes may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes, revised, or diverted.

Reduced Services on Mildmay and Suffragette Lines

The Mildmay and Suffragette lines are operating reduced services on Friday, 22 August:

The Mildmay line service between Richmond and Camden Road has been reduced. For example, the 21:59 train from Stratford to Richmond now terminates at Camden Road at 22:19, while the 23:17 train from Richmond to Willesden Junction will not run.

Commuters are advised to check live updates from train operators and Transport for London (TfL) before travelling and to allow extra time for journeys during the

Transport authorities urge travellers to plan, consider alternative routes, and monitor real-time updates. With high volumes of road traffic coinciding with rail disruptions, early departure and flexibility are recommended.

The bank holiday period illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by UK transport networks, with travel volumes at a peak while industrial action and technical issues affect multiple services. Authorities continue to encourage passengers to remain patient and to follow official guidance for a smoother journey.