What travel restrictions change from the 29th March?

[JakeMurphy]

Feeling quite emotional at the prospect, if still a trifle nervous (about the possible jobsworths). Not going to let that spoil my excitement though.

Here we go, here we go, here we go...

Have a good day

 

[trainophile]

At times like this it really does feel like we're a sort of family on here. Happy travelling, let's go for it. Goodness knows we have waited long enough.

 

[Jamiescott1]

Absolutely no difference to last week on my chiltern train this morning.
Although its a commuter train so don't expect any difference.

 

[86247]

I've not been on a train since the 30th of January 2020 so that's 14 months. I think I will be a little nervous so that's why I will be waiting for a bit longer to go anywhere.But like the last post it's the jobworths that I'm worried about bound to be some out there interfering telling people what they can or can't do about travelling on a train.

 

[Jamesrob637]

I've not been on a train since the 30th of January 2020 so that's 14 months. I think I will be a little nervous so that's why I will be waiting for a bit longer to go anywhere.But like the last post it's the jobworths that I'm worried about bound to be some out there interfering telling people what they can or can't do about travelling on a train.

Until yesterday, maybe.
But not from today

 

[LAX54]

The current guidance from 29th:

Travelling within England​

You should minimise travel where possible. This means you should:

• avoid making unnecessary trips
• combine trips where possible

You should not stay away from home overnight for a holiday.

If you need to travel:

• walk or cycle where possible
• avoid car sharing with anyone from outside your household or your support bubble
• plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport
• regularly wash or sanitise your hands
• wear a face covering on public transport, unless exempt
• stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors)

 

[ChrisC]

I've not been on a train since the 30th of January 2020 so that's 14 months. I think I will be a little nervous so that's why I will be waiting for a bit longer to go anywhere.But like the last post it's the jobworths that I'm worried about bound to be some out there interfering telling people what they can or can't do about travelling on a train.

Similar here. I’ve not been on a train since 15th February 2020 and that’s now over 13 months of not using my 3 year Senior Railcard. I know what you mean about feeling a bit nervous but I’m going to go for it in the next few days by making a short local journey of about just about 15 miles up the line to do some walking in a different area. I’m sure that once I’ve made that step I will soon want to travel further, especially after I’ve had my 2nd jab in May. I’ve followed most of the rules over the past year but now I need to get my life back.

I’m being really brave today and going to drive a few miles over the border into Derbyshire to visit Hardwick Hall Gardens. That will be testing the jobsworths with the reputation of Derbyshire police.

 

[AlterEgo]

Similar here. I’ve not been on a train since 15th February 2020 and that’s now over 13 months of not using my 3 year Senior Railcard. I know what you mean about feeling a bit nervous but I’m going to go for it in the next few days by making a short local journey of about just about 15 miles up the line to do some walking in a different area. I’m sure that once I’ve made that step I will soon want to travel further, especially after I’ve had my 2nd jab in May. I’ve followed most of the rules over the past year but now I need to get my life back.

I’m being really brave today and going to drive a few miles over the border into Derbyshire to visit Hardwick Hall Gardens. That will be testing the jobsworths with the reputation of Derbyshire police.

There has never been any prohibition on “crossing county lines” and you may now travel entirely legally wherever you like in England. Nobody can stop you.

 

[ChrisC]

There has never been any prohibition on “crossing county lines” and you may now travel entirely legally wherever you like in England. Nobody can stop you.

I know there hasn’t. It is very much a local joke around here about crossing the border into Derbyshire. This was after the unreasonable attitude of Derbyshire police at various points during the lockdowns.

 

[AlterEgo]

I know there hasn’t. It is very much a local joke around here about crossing the border into Derbyshire. This was after the unreasonable attitude of Derbyshire police at various points during the lockdowns.

Is that the force that used drones to spy on people using the absolutely vast Peak District because it was “unsafe” or whatever?

 

[Djgr]

Probably just to remind people that the law in England still applies until the morning of the 29th? A lot of people have begun to take liberties knowing that the law will soon be changing- I see this a lot where I am. In fact I don’t think people have taken this lockdown entirely seriously since the end of February. To be honest, I hate to say this but it‘s pointless keeping the lockdown in place any longer as no one is taking any notice of it (and I’m sure the police know that they’ve lost the battle). It’s sad to think that people have been irresponsible (in an ideal world, people would just follow the law and the police would be redundant) but that’s the reality of modern society. Very sad that for some people a day at the seaside/seeing their mates is more important than following laws designed to protect the NHS and the most vulnerable in society. The world does have to return to normality at some point, I don’t dispute that, but I don’t see why people can’t try to be patient and wait until it’s properly safe (would waiting till mid-April or May really hurt, as long as the government kept paying people to stay at home- as they are doing in many cases?). We have made so much progress with the vaccine rollout but the virus is still too prevalent- why do folk want to throw this all away and end up in lockdown perpetually? Clearly given the number of cases and deaths in the UK currently it’s not really safe to do much other than go for a walk round the block, go shopping and go to work. If we just stuck with it that bit longer we’d be in a much better place.

No, I will not be returning to the rail network or making any non-essential journeys tomorrow, probably not for the foreseeable future. I love travelling on trains all around the UK but it simply isn’t safe. Obviously it’s for everyone to decide what’s safe for them as it’s no longer law tomorrow but I definitely (in my opinion) do not think it’s safe to return to using trains tomorrow unless for an absolutely essential reason.

If I seem scared- it’s because most of my family would not survive this virus. I am honestly terrified at what’s going to happen in the next few weeks. Some may find the BTP authoritarian but at the end of the day they are trying to do their job to save lives! It’s a very hard job and many of them have vulnerable families too, just think about that.

If your family are vulnerable then surely they have been vaccinated now?

The latest research from AZ suggests that vaccination reduces the possibility of death from COVID19 to zero.

So what on earth is the issue?

 

[YorkshireBear]

No particularly change on committee train but tpen have increased the timetable, and a good job after social distancing became hard on peak services for last few weeks and some off peak ones by all accounts.

 

[sjpowermac]

Feeling quite emotional at the prospect, if still a trifle nervous (about the possible jobsworths). Not going to let that spoil my excitement though.

Here we go, here we go, here we go...

Have a great day! I was up nice and early this morning to bag the first possible Class 68 that I could!

No problems at all encountered, train manager really kind, no problems at either station, just as it should be!

I hope your journey goes well too

I've not been on a train since the 30th of January 2020 so that's 14 months. I think I will be a little nervous so that's why I will be waiting for a bit longer to go anywhere.But like the last post it's the jobworths that I'm worried about bound to be some out there interfering telling people what they can or can't do about travelling on a train.

I hope that you manage to make a journey soon. I know what you mean about jobsworths but I traveled extensively last summer and didn’t encounter any problems. I’ve also made short distance journeys for work throughout the lockdown and have not encountered any problems at all.

Wishing you a great journey when you feel ready

 

[ChrisC]

Is that the force that used drones to spy on people using the absolutely vast Peak District because it was “unsafe” or whatever?

Yes that’s the one. Also the force that fined two people for driving a few miles to a country park and drinking a coffee. That’s why I was joking about being brave and driving over the border into Derbyshire today.

 

[nlogax]

Hope you all enjoy your newly rediscovered freedoms today. NotB the rules don’t change til April 2nd. It’s only the weather that’s keeping me indoors mind you. It’s blowing a hoolie in the Glasgow area.

 

[SouthEastBuses]

I can't wait to finally film some bus routes in the Brighton and Eastbourne area today, and to then film routes in Oxford after Easter.

 

[trainophile]

The current guidance from 29th:

Travelling within England​

You should minimise travel where possible. This means you should:

• avoid making unnecessary trips
• combine trips where possible

You should not stay away from home overnight for a holiday.

If you need to travel:

• walk or cycle where possible
• avoid car sharing with anyone from outside your household or your support bubble
• plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport
• regularly wash or sanitise your hands
• wear a face covering on public transport, unless exempt
• stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors)

I would be interested to argue about the definition of a holiday!

 

[AlterEgo]

I would be interested to argue about the definition of a holiday!

You shouldn’t need to. It’s guidance, and not law, because it contains the word “should” and not “must”.

 

[Skimpot flyer]

To all those who are/were concerned about being stopped and questioned about where you are/were travelling to/from, when at a station, or on a train...

Please stop fretting!

I came back from Australia in mid-April 2020.

I’ve been commuting to and from work (key worker) on a combination of trains/tube, including London Overground services*, ever since coming back. Almost a year.
Total number of times I’ve been stopped, questioned or even been thrown a quizzical look by anyone in uniform?

None. Not once.

People really need to get a grip.

What may in theory happen is so far from the reality of what will actually happen that I would not stress one iota about it.

Purchasing any extra tickets to cover your ‘story’ that you are intending to travel back the same day is madness!!

The chances of a ticket inspection are minuscule, and even then, does someone showing an Outward portion of a return ticket even have to show the Return portion?

If government absolutely wanted to stop people staying overnight in a distant location, why were TVMs not re-programmed to be unable to sell Period Returns ? (Not that such a move would work, as people could buy a single on each day).

*all of this whilst not wearing a face covering, from which I am exempt, and have similarly not once been challenged about!

 

[trainophile]

Great post, thanks that’s very reassuring. At the start of all this there were presumably genuine accounts of people being turned back when trying to exit Southport station, but I haven’t heard anything like that recently.

I didn’t buy a “cover story” ticket, but instead wasted a few quid on buying another one for a different route back on Thursday, as I couldn’t face the Birmingham drag twice in a week!

 

[tommy2215]

On the BBC website and social media posts it says in England you must stay local, which is irritating because nowhere in the Government's new guidance or their new slogan does it mention about having to stay local.

 

[Freightmaster]

If your family are vulnerable then surely they have been vaccinated now?

The latest research from AZ suggests that vaccination reduces the possibility of death from COVID19 to zero.

So what on earth is the issue?

The 'issue' unfortunately is that the government have spent the past few months brainwashing the public
with its reprehensible "look him in the eye" adverts with the inevitable result that anyone like Mr Ed who
was nervous/scared about the virus to begin with is now (in his own words) "terrified about what will happen
in the next few weeks"

So while the claim that his entire family is likely to die from the virus due to "rule breakers" and people
making "non essential journeys" by public transport is clearly hyperbole, the root cause is the Government
for planting those ideas in the public's heads in the first place...





MARK

 

[Watershed]

All over the BBC it says in England you must stay local, which is irritating because nowhere in the Government's new guidance or their new slogan does it mention about having to stay local.

The BBC have been amongst the worst of all the mainstream news organisations for this. They never let such trivialities as the actual law get in the way of a little Covid propaganda.

 

[tommy2215]

The BBC have been amongst the worst of all the mainstream news organisations for this. They never let such trivialities as the actual law get in the way of a little Covid propaganda.

Matt Hancock and sports minister Nigel Huddleston both said this morning that travelling outside your local area is perfectly fine, but sadly I doubt that will cause the BBC will change their tone.

 

[LAX54]

The 'issue' unfortunately is that the government have spent the past few months brainwashing the public
with its reprehensible "look him in the eye" adverts with the inevitable result that anyone like Mr Ed who
was nervous/scared about the virus to begin with is now (in his own words) "terrified about what will happen
in the next few weeks"

So while the claim that his entire family is likely to die from the virus due to "rule breakers" and people
making "non essential journeys" by public transport is clearly hyperbole, the root cause is the Government
for planting those ideas in the public's heads in the first place...





MARK

I would have said more Facebook / Twitter and 24 hour News, spreading doom, gloom, and the end of the Universe !

 

[YorkshireBear]

To all those who are/were concerned about being stopped and questioned about where you are/were travelling to/from, when at a station, or on a train...

Please stop fretting!

I came back from Australia in mid-April 2020.

I’ve been commuting to and from work (key worker) on a combination of trains/tube, including London Overground services*, ever since coming back. Almost a year.
Total number of times I’ve been stopped, questioned or even been thrown a quizzical look by anyone in uniform?

None. Not once.

People really need to get a grip.

What may in theory happen is so far from the reality of what will actually happen that I would not stress one iota about it.

Purchasing any extra tickets to cover your ‘story’ that you are intending to travel back the same day is madness!!

The chances of a ticket inspection are minuscule, and even then, does someone showing an Outward portion of a return ticket even have to show the Return portion?

If government absolutely wanted to stop people staying overnight in a distant location, why were TVMs not re-programmed to be unable to sell Period Returns ? (Not that such a move would work, as people could buy a single on each day).

*all of this whilst not wearing a face covering, from which I am exempt, and have similarly not once been challenged about!

Plus one to this.

I have been commuting by train part time from September to January and then full time since February, plus train travel to my heritage railway to do maintenance, walks last summer when it was allowed and have never been stopped or seen people be stopped in all that time. Even when BTP are wandering through the train.

The staff just check tickets and are pleased to see you! I've had some good chats with TPE guards over last 6 months.

Don't be afraid the railway is there to be used and it's great to be back.

 

[Jamesrob637]

Probably a little off topic but wouldn't warrant a separate thread:

If I haven't had anybody in my place since January, or actually even before Christmas when we were still in tiers (one friend using the loo once or twice doesn't really count), can I still create an indoor bubble (my girlfriend, most likely) so long as I stick with that until the rules on indoor congregating change again later in the Spring?

 

[roversfan2001]

Probably a little off topic but wouldn't warrant a separate thread:

If I haven't had anybody in my place since January, or actually even before Christmas when we were still in tiers (one friend using the loo once or twice doesn't really count), can I still create an indoor bubble (my girlfriend, most likely) so long as I stick with that until the rules on indoor congregating change again later in the Spring?

Assuming you live alone, you're allowed to form a 'support bubble' with any other household. You're also allowed to change your support bubble, as long as you leave 10 days between seeing the 'old' and 'new' bubbles. The enforcement of that seems impossible however.

 

[nlogax]

If I haven't had anybody in my place since January, or actually even before Christmas when we were still in tiers (one friend using the loo once or twice doesn't really count), can I still create an indoor bubble (my girlfriend, most likely) so long as I stick with that until the rules on indoor congregating change again later in the Spring?

Absolutely. Ten days is the number of days recommended before you can start a new support household.. tbh it sounds like you'd have been fine to start one since January.

 

[stompy]

Am I allowed a day out at a station spotting now does anyone know?