Measures announced by the Government will also see over 1200km of roadworks cleared to help accommodate an expected surge in demand to travel.

But delaying rail upgrades to routes such as the East Coast Mainline could mean the promise of improved punctuality and reliability is deferred by up to two years, the Government admits.

Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy said of the works suspension: “Throughout the pandemic, the transport industry has been united in its efforts to keep passengers and staff safe. We must ensure that shared focus continues at this important time.”

Latest official data shows that train travel across the UK stands at around 22% of pre-pandemic levels. On the roads, car traffic is back up to 73% and light goods traffic is at 95% compared to early March. But heavy goods traffic has increased by 9% since the start of the crisis.

A further study this week from insurer Direct Line finds that 55% of motorists are now driving fewer miles than before the pandemic. Of those who said their driving habits have changed, four in 10 said they are driving less because they cannot visit family and friends and one in five said it was because they do not have to go to work.

(Photograph: Network Rail)