Thursday, 21 May 2020
- EMR is asking people not to travel to the region
- EMR will enforce social distancing on trains to Skegness - reducing capacity by 80%
- A queuing system will be in place at Nottingham and Skegness - passengers could face hours in a queue to board a train
East Midlands Railway is urging passengers not to travel to Skegness or other Lincolnshire destinations this weekend to help protect the local communities.
EMR is working alongside Visit Lincoln, East Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire County Council and NHS Lincolnshire to strongly urge passengers not to travel to Skegness this weekend or next week unless absolutely essential.
This weekend, EMR will be enforcing social distancing on trains to and from Skegness. This will reduce capacity by approximately 80% and as such, passengers who still choose to travel will be required to queue in the station and may face a wait of several hours to board a train. There will be no additional trains or bus services provided.
This approach is also in line with Government advice on the use of public transport - it should only be used by key workers or those who have absolutely no alternative means to make essential journeys, such as to and from work.
Potential passengers are also reminded the vast majority of attractions and facilities in Skegness remain closed, including public toilets, parking, restaurants, hotels and other amenities.
Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director at East Midlands Railway, said: "We are very proud to serve Skegness and the wider tourism industry in Lincolnshire and during normal times we would do all we can to help encourage travel and support our local communities.
"Unfortunately, these are far from normal times and we have to take appropriate measures.
"We are helping to support our local partners to reflect their very clear message to potential visitors - now is not the time to visit. So please, stay away and protect the local communities of Skegness and Lincolnshire."
Cllr Craig Leyland, East Lindsey District Council Leader, said: “I’m pleased to see so many partners supporting this campaign and the message to stay safe and save lives. Our priority continues to be limiting the impact that Coronavirus has on our communities and our vulnerable residents. You can help us do this by thinking of others and staying home as much as possible.
I would ask that you please act responsibly, continue to social distance and stay safe.”
Charlotte Goy, Interim CEO at Visit Lincoln, added: “At the moment we must work together to protect the Lincolnshire community and not overwhelm local services. It will be worth it, Lincolnshire is looking forward to welcoming you back when the time is right”.
Visit Lincoln has also produced the below video to provide further information and inspire people to plan a visit when the time is right: