WIRRAL rail passengers are being urged to use public transport "for essential purposes" ahead of local lockdown restrictions coming into effect tomorrow.

The restrictions - announced by Government on Friday - have been imposed after Wirral and the wider Merseyside region were classified as an 'area of intervention' after a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.

Merseyrail services will continue to operate as timetabled to support those that do need to travel.

A spokesperson said the guidance is that public transport should only be used for travelling to and from school or work.

They added: "In the affected local areas, we advise that you should only use public transport for essential reasons.

"We encourage you to walk or cycle where possible and to plan your journey in advance, avoiding busy times and routes if possible. Examples of essential reasons include:

  • To get to and from work
  • To get essential food or medical supplies including click and collect services
  • To support someone who is vulnerable, if no-one else can do so
  • To travel to and from the homes of others in your support bubble
  • To attend an early years setting, school or college, or to accompany a child who is attending an early years setting, school or college, where necessary
  • To fulfil legal obligations
  • To seek medical care, or avoid illness, injury or harm"

Full timetables and details are on the Merseyrail website and passengers are advised to check before they travel. This can be done by visiting www.merseyrail.org, the Merseyrail Twitter account @merseyrail or by sending a message on WhatsApp on 0151 555 1111.

Passengers who need to use Merseyrail services advised to follow safety advice to protect themselves, other passengers, and staff:

  • Face coverings must be worn at all times unless exempt
  • Use contactless payments where possible
  • Avoid peak travel if you can (between 07:00-09:30 and 16:00-18:30)
  • Wash or sanitise hands as soon as possible before and after travel
  • Follow advice from staff and be considerate to other passengers
  • Passengers are also urged to help by keeping up to date with the latest official health advice.

Andy Heath, managing director at Merseyrail, said: "As new restrictions come into place for parts of our region on Tuesday, we all must play our part to fight the spread of COVID-19.

"I would like to remind those passengers travelling with us for work and education to please follow our travel advice and ensure that they wear a face covering for the duration of their journey - including at stations - for the safety of themselves, fellow passengers and our staff."

The local lockdown measures mean:

  • People must not socialise with others outside their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens;
  • Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only; and
  • Late night operating hours will be restricted, with leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants, pubs, and cinemas, required to close between 10pm to 5am.
  • People are also advised to adhere to the following guidance to further reduce rates of infection.
  • You can only use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work
  • You should avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.