Figures from Network Rail show that footfall at its managed stations was broadly between a fifth and a quarter down compared to last week across the country.

The reduction was most significant in London, where Cannon Street station saw a 38% drop in usage on Monday compared to seven days previously.

Outside of the capital, passenger numbers at Leeds were down 35% and down a quarter at Reading and Bristol. But in Scotland, passenger numbers into Glasgow were down only 7% and in Edinburgh down 11%.

On the Underground in central London yesterday there was a 26% reduction in entries and exits up until 10am, compared to the previous Tuesday. On the buses the week on week fall during the morning peak was less significant, at 8%.

But traffic data from TomTom shows that congestion in several major cities is currently higher at peak times. Yesterday evening at 5pm, congestion in Manchester was 30% higher than average, Edinburgh was up 24%, Cardiff 23% and in Liverpool and Belfast it was 22% higher. In London, congestion was 18% up.

Government figures last week show that before the latest work from home guidance, car traffic was at 91% of its pre-pandemic level and rail travel was at 63% compared with March last year.

(Photograph: Network Rail)