Tonight:
5°c
Snow disruption means commuters still struggle to reach work
Dick Murray21 Dec 2009
Transport services in London were still suffering delays and cancellations today due to the weather.
Many commuter trains into the capital reported disruption "until further notice".
There were delays between Milton Keynes and Euston and services into Charing Cross and Cannon Street were delayed and cancelled with buses replacing trains between Tonbridge, Hastings and Dover Priory.
Buses also replaced trains between Sittingbourne and Sheerness-on-Sea.
On routes into Waterloo, trains were unable to call at London Road, Clandon and Horsley stations because of snow and ice, and replacement buses could not get through.
Buses replaced trains throughout the morning peak period between Aldershot and Guildford.
London Midland services between London and Tring in Hertfordshire were cancelled and there were delays to Virgin West Coast trains.
Poor conditions in the Ashford area of Kent led to delays of up to an hour.
A spokesman for Network Rail (NR,) responsible for keeping the tracks clear of snow and ice, said: "Since the severe weather struck, we've had up to 5,000 people out on the rail network at any one time working in difficult conditions to keep trains on the move."
But Bob Crow, leader of the RMT union, launched a stinging attack on NR for not doing enough to keep the tracks clear.
He said: "The winter chaos on the railways has spread from Eurostar to the rest of the South East and other parts of the country and makes a mockery of NR's plans to axe 1500 engineering jobs."
Reader views (5)
'Edelweiss,Edelweiss',lets just rejoice in the beautiful winter wonderland that God has created for us and marvel at its splender,at least McBrown didnt try to claim credit for it!,-'I'm dreaming of a tight christmas'.
- Jacob, Bent Kent Gulag 13 Region1648A EUSSR., 21/12/2009 12:50
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So how many of Mr Crow's member were unable to get to the depots to sign on for duty or to work trains to clear the tracks, due to the terrible road conditions?
Rail services are dependent on humans, or has Mr Crow forgotten - conveniently? He really ought to engage brain before opening mouth.
- Oliver Lucy, Bromley, Kent, 21/12/2009 12:10
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"..Bob Crow, leader of the RMT union, launched a stinging attack on NR for not doing enough to keep the tracks clear"
Yes, it must be rather hard to organise a strike when no trains are running..
- John Bull, Londonistan, UK, 21/12/2009 11:43
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Back in the day station staff used to keep stations clear of snow and ice. Trouble is that they're a disappearing breed, and no doubt 'elf 'n' safety won't stand for it either.
- Paul, London, 21/12/2009 11:36
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winter chaos and poor conditions on the roads,spare a thought for the crossborder burglars doing there xmas shopping?
- Scony, middlesbrough, 21/12/2009 11:29
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