1.
GV Commuters running for trains(2 shots)
0.22

2.
CU notice - all Windsor services suspended
0.26

3.
MV People waiting
0.29

4.
SV Train leaving
0.37

5.
SV People on platform - with super North West
0.38

6.
SV People at bus stops(2 shots)
0.46

7.
SV People on Midlands platform
0.51

8.
MV & CU Level-crossing gates closed & signal(3 shots)
1.07

9.
GV Traffic jams on roads(2 shots)
1.18



Initials SGM/0358 SGM/0339


TELERECORDING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The first day of a nationwide "go-slow" by British railway workers on Monday (April 17) disrupted commuter traffic across the country, causing massive cancellations of service and lengthy delays.

The south was the worst hit area, with three-quarters of services into ??? cancelled, and many people arriving three hours late for work.

In the evening a similar rush for trains was sharpened by the announcement that some lines would have no services after 7 p.m.

Many thousands abandoned the trains and used their cars -- causing road traffic jams comparable only to those seen on major public holidays.

Liverpool, Birmingham and Glasgow were among other centres especially affected, and British Rail officials were generally unable to promise any improvement in service in the coming days.

Government and Labour leaders met throughout Monday in efforts to solve the dispute. Railwaymen in three Unions are demanding more than the British Railways Board says it can afford in new labour contracts.

SYNOPSIS: British commuters dashing for what could be the last train of the day on their line....It was the end of a chaotic day on British Railways, as Railmen across the country staged a "go-slow" in support of their demands for higher wages in a new labour contract. The effect was most keenly felt in the south - especially in the London area. On Monday morning more than three-quarters of services into London were cancelled. Of those who managed to get to work by train, many arrived three hours late.

In the north-west, rail services were quite good, but fear of what they might have been produced massive line-ups for busses....
In Liverpool and the Midlands the situation was described as extremely serious.

One line was closed completely because nobody was available to man two level-crossings gates. The operators were acting strictly according to the rules, taking rest-days to which they were entitled....
Many thousands gave up on the trains and built up the kind of road traffic jams usually seen in Britain only on major public holidays....