Huge crowds seen boarding Tube trains despite Covid lockdown

Footage from the London Underground has shown large crowds of people continuing to use the tube network despite the current Covid lockdown.

A clip filmed on the platform of Canning Town, in East London, revealed masses of commuters boarding trains during peak hours this week. It comes as unions warn that thousands of people are still being made to travel for jobs they can’t do from home, or under the guise of being a ‘key worker’.

Sharing the video on social media, BBC transport correspondent Tom Edwards said Tube drivers were becoming increasingly worried about the number of travellers still using the network.

But Transport for London have since said the crowds were caused by trains being cancelled, and are not indicative of the rest of the Underground service.

Nick Dent, London Underground’s Director of Line Operations, said: ‘Three Jubilee trains serving Canning Town were unfortunately cancelled at short notice this morning due to staff absence, causing higher numbers of people to be waiting on platforms for a short amount of time.

‘This morning’s video is not representative of the rest of the Tube network nor of this station for the rest of the day.’

Under current Covid restrictions, people must not leave their homes without a reasonable excuse, such as travelling to work where it can’t be done at home, exercising or seeking medical attention.

In recent weeks there has been concern that the public aren’t taking lockdown as seriously as they did in March last year – despite more cases being reported daily than ever before.

Between January 4 and 7, there were 4.9 million entries and exits made on the Tube, which is two million more than the amount made in the first four days of lockdown in March, MyLondon reports.

There were also 7.52 million passengers travelling on London buses in the same four day period in January, which was two million more than the same four days in March.

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