The Northern Line was suspended through central London during this morning’s
peak travel time, delaying tens of thousands of commuters across the capital.
Underground trains were halted between Camden Town and Kennington after the
signals failed at Charing Cross from the 5.30 am start of service.
The Northern Line carries more than 650,000 passengers a day, making it one of the
busiest lines on the Tube network.
London Underground ran shuttle services between Brixton and Kennington and
between Camden Town and Edgware and High Barnet during the delays. Services on
the line resumed around 9 am, but with delays.
London Overground travellers also suffered severe delays between Stratford and
Highbury & Islington after one passenger was taken ill at Hackney Central station.
The delays come ahead over the first of four Tube strikes, which will affect services
on Sunday evening, with potential knock-on disruption during Monday morning’s
peak travel time.
1,500 drivers belonging to the RMT union will be involved in the strike, which is a
protest over the sacking of Northern Line driver Arywn Thomas. The drivers will
refuse to work from 9pm Sunday until 3 am Monday, meaning trains could be out of
place for the 5.50 am rush hour start.
A spokesman from London Underground predicted that the strikes will have ’little or
no impact’ to services Monday morning.
Talks between RMT and London Underground broke down this week at Acas, the
conciliation service. Thomas was officially sacked for alleged abusive behaviour
towards colleagues, but he denies the charge. The RMT argue that the ‘real reason’
Thomas lost his job was because he took a major part in organising last year’s Tube
strikes.
Three more strike are planned to begin Monday 27 June, which will affect visitors to
the Wimbledon Tennis Championships.
