By Christmas travellers warned to plan journeys carefully
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps says there will be more freedom to visit loved ones next month as all four UK nations move “very close” to agreeing rules on festive gatherings.
A meeting between the nations will be held to discuss the rules later today.
Gyms and non-essential shops in all parts of England will be allowed to reopen from 2nd December under a strengthened three-tiered system.
Areas will not find out which tier they are in until Thursday – and the decision will be based on a number of factors including case numbers, the reproduction rate – or R number – and pressure on local NHS services.
Speaking on domestic travel during the festive period, Mr Shapps said:
“The government would have to ask people to take a close look at any proposed journeys and routes they are taking”.
He urged those travelling on public transport to pre-book tickets as the capacity of services remains reduced to allow for social distancing and as a result of staff self-isolating.
“I would appeal to people to think very carefully about their travel plans and consider where they are going to travel and look at the various alternatives available”.
Mr Shapps added that people who live in areas placed in the highest tier of restrictions in England should avoid leaving their region.
He said:
“We are dissuading people travelling around from the very high tier areas”.
One option discussed by the four UK nations would allow three households to meet up for up to five days next month.
A meeting of the UK government’s emergency committee Cobra will be held on Tuesday afternoon between the four nations to discuss arrangements for Christmas.
