Traffic chaos expected as train strikes bring country to a standstill

Today, hundreds of thousands of workers across the UK will be walking out and going on strike, with teachers, train drivers and university staff also taking part in industrial action. As a result, experts have warned that roads will be extremely busy, with many infrequent drivers forced behind the wheel to get to work.

Train drivers will strike on Wednesday (February 1) and Friday (February 3), with most services being cancelled and running times being massively shortened.

It has been described by some as “the largest scale strike day in over a decade”, with millions being impacted from the knock-on effects.

Nextbase is warning drivers to properly prepare for any trips they make that day, as if they break down it could take longer for help to reach them.

Bryn Brooker, head of road safety at Nextbase, said: “Rail strikes force a lot more people onto the roads, particularly motorways.

READ MORE: Drivers should fill fuel tanks to the brim or risk costly damage

Neil Micklethwaite, Chief Operating Officer at CMAC Group has voiced his concerns about the UK’s transport system and pressure on taxi drivers in particular.

He added: “The impact and knock-on effect of the recent rail strikes was completely underestimated. 

“With the recent strikes, we once again saw a surge in demand for alternative transport, with disruption continuing into non-strike days and affecting transport providers, such as taxis, who help to keep the country moving.

“As well as considering rail workers, the Government and local authorities need to double-down and overhaul their approach to other parts of the transport system, ensuring a provision of financial support and safeguarding for small businesses, employees and the self-employed involved in providing transport for the public. 

“We’re calling on them to review the licensing renewal processes for taxi drivers to help keep more of them on the roads and provide an extra incentive for drivers who’ve exited the industry to return – they provided a crucial part of the transport eco-system already and this strike action has shown how much they are truly needed.”

Nearly a quarter of drivers left the taxi industry during or after the pandemic due to stress, with a further 21 percent saying it wasn’t a financially viable career.

One in five were unable to renew their licenses and continue their careers or had their vehicle repossessed, affecting their credit rating and ability to return to the industry.