RAIL passengers have been warned about the dangers of travelling while drunk this Christmas.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which runs Southern and Thameslink services across Sussex, is urging passengers to take care after seeing an increase in alcohol-related accidents over the festive period last year.

According to analysis from The Rail Safety and Standards Board, slips, trips and falls caused by alcohol are more likely to lead to severe injuries, with intoxication the second biggest cause of accidents.

Last year, there were 1,079 incidents on the railway, with 12 per cent of passenger accidents on the network attributed to intoxication.

The operator has also revealed that 20 per cent of assaults reported on the network in the last year involved drunk passengers.

Sam Facey, Head of Zero Harm at Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern services, said: “People understandably want to make up for lost time this year, but we know that intoxication can lead to accidents whilst travelling on the railway.

“I’d encourage party-goers to keep Rob’s tips in mind, celebrate responsibly and to take extra care on our stations and trains during the festive season, and don’t forget to wear a face covering, unless exempt.”

Last week, GTR announced that The Gatwick Express will return on Monday after it was suspended in March, as the pandemic began to take hold and passenger numbers tumbled.

GTR said its return will help to support the recovery of Gatwick Airport and the southeast.

The company also announced major timetable changes for Southern and Thameslink services during the festive period.

The new winter timetable will be introduced on Sunday.

Its introduction will be phased, with the last stage introduced after the holiday period on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

Until 4 January there will be improvements and changes on some routes and temporary reductions on others.

The company has advised passengers to check before travelling during this period.

The Christmas and New Year timetables from 25 December to 3 January are already available to view in online journey planners such as www.nationalrail.co.uk.

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