Transport for London prepares for rush hour return

The break from ULEZ is coming to an end

After the government encouraged some people to return to work, TfL are bracing for extra pressure on the network.

They're planning to run the most services since lockdown began. They say this is in order to maintain social distancing between commuters, but there are certain stations they are particularly concerned about.

They've listed 20 tube stations they expect to be crunch points during rush hour. At ones marked 'entry' they're warning commuters to expect queues while social distancing rules are enforced. At those marked 'interchange' they're asking people to avoid them completely between 05.45 - 08.15 and 16.00 - 17.30.

All commuters are being asked to travel outside these times if at all possible - and walk or cycle if they can.

For those travelling by car though, the break from certain charges is coming to an end. Both the Congestion Charge and ULEZ are back up and running from tomorrow - and the congestion charge will be going up from £11.50 to £15 from June 22nd.

The congestion charge and ULEZ will return Credit: PA IMAGES

Other changes are planned for the longer term to encourage more Londoners to walk and cycle when lockdown rules are relaxed further. These include

  • A temporary cycle lane along Park Lane where the speed limit will also be reduced to 20mph.

  • Work at Balham High Road to create temporary cycle lanes

  • Work on Cycleway 9 between Kensington Olympia and Brentford, and Cycleway 4 between Tower Hill and Greenwich sped up with temporary measures.

  • Another 30km of permanent cycle lanes added during summer 2020.

There are also plans to make two of London's busiest bridges car free. TfL want to widen pavements on Waterloo Bridge and London Bridge, reserving them only for cyclists and pedestrians - and possibly zero emissions taxis.

More changes are to be expected in the weeks and months ahead - tomorrow will be a test for how the network will cope as the lockdown is eased.