Most of train network to stall if planned industrial action goes ahead, causing disruption for families on half term, holidaymakers and football fans
A major strike by railway workers threatens to bring the entire train network almost to a standstill over the bank holiday weekend, hitting millions of families, holidaymakers and football fans.
On Wednesday Virgin Trains became the first company to cancel all services on the busiest route connecting London, Birmingham, Manchester and Scotland.
There will be no Virgin service on Monday or Tuesday on the entire West Coast Main Line and while a handful or smaller rivals firms travel the route, there is no guarantee they will be able to fill the void.
Most other lines across the country, including the East Coast Main Line, will suffer reduced services until Wednesday. Some smaller lines expected to shut altogether.
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Motoring organisations warned that road traffic would increase significantly as passengers sought alternatives.
As well those planning a bank holiday escape, many families may have to alter their plans for half term, which falls next week for most schools.
And if the strike goes ahead, fans of Middlesbrough and Norwich City football clubs may have to travel by car to Wembley in London for their teams' Championship play-off final, which starts at 3pm on Monday.
A spokesman for the AA said: "Bank holidays are always busy on the roads but the rail strike is the joker in the pack.
CrossCountry Trains, Chiltern Railways, Arriva Trains Wales, First Great Western and ScotRail were among those yesterday advising passengers to avoid train travel over the bank holiday.
Full details of amended timetables and what services will run, when and where, are expected to be available from train operators by Saturday, with "overviews and summaries" available on Thursday and Friday.
A spokesman for Virgin Trains said passengers would be able to use tickets booked for Monday and Tuesday on Sunday or Wednesday instead, or apply for a refund.