Rail unions have called strike action for every Thursday and Friday in August on routes served by National Express East Anglia (London Liverpool Street station to Stansted, Colchester, Ipswich, Harwich and Norwich).
Anyone flying into or out of Stansted or using the Harwich - Hook of Holland ferry on those days should be ready for severe delays and overcrowding on all transport modes to central London.
No idea. Usually these things are settled faster than that, but with the recession both sides may be feeling bloody-minded.
Philip, we are looking at tickets to London right now from Edinburgh, and one of the airports we were going to fly out of was Stansed. Should we consider flying out of Luton instead for a few pounds more? The flight is in September and if the strike is in August, don't you think there's a chance it could go through September, too? We were going to fly on a Thursday (roundtrip on the same day)...
From the papers following the strike action this week, it seems to be affecting everyone traveling the route in that other transport is getting incredibly busy, and has been delayed - coaches and cabs. If you've booked a private service, car rental, or someone is picking you up, I should think it would be fine. Probably busier with others doing the same, so leave a bit more room.
Yes, everyone who would normally be on the train will now be on the roads, so expect jams.
Philip, Do you think this will be resolved before the end of August? Myself and a friend are travelling Liverpool Street Stn-Harwich- Hook of Holland on Thursday evening August 27....we already have reservations booked for the train/ferry....
As I said, absolutely no idea.
Ah well, thanks for the heads up anyway Philip, it's certainly appreciated. I guess we'll just have to be prepared for a plan B....strike or no strike, I still intend to have a great trip!...
We booked our airfare, and just to be on the safe side, we changed our day of travel to a Wednesday. Just in case the strike continues on into September, and the strike stays on Thursdays and Fridays... Stuck with the flight going out of Stansted because the fare was cheaper and it left at a better time...
