I am a key worker and I do have a letter that I carry with me, in the event of being challenged as to my reasons for travel (although the Royal Mail uniform is a bit of a clue).
I can only say what I’ve seen in the last few weeks, when I have enjoyed* (if that’s the right term) near-empty trains that are running on time and get me to / from London very reliably.
Travelling well outside peak hours, I’ve noticed there has been a slight increase each day in people travelling on the London Overground leg of my commute, mid-morning. Some of these individuals are clearly not key workers. A person making their usual work journey would not, for example, be looking at signage with a puzzled expression, trying to work out which platform or direction they need to go, or dragging a suitcase).
The numbers I see on a daily basis seem to rise a lot - or fall - in line with warm or cool weather, which is another clue.
I fear that today’s message will increase the number of passengers way beyond the point where proper social distancing can be maintained. If this leads to drivers feeling unsafe, and service cancellations, Johnson’s changes will potentially make it more difficult for me to get to work, and yet I’m classed as a key worker!
* I wear a mask, and practice social distancing, yet I bristle when about to exit the train. People just don’t think. They sit more than 2 metres away, yet stand right behind you as you await the doors being released. People boarding also do as they’ve always done, try to board at the same time as those alighting, almost bumping into me...