Britain began to get back to work today, with many Londoners jogging, walking and cycling to ease the strain on the struggling public transport system.
Day one of the capitals gradual escape from coronavirus lockdown saw determined workers make their way back to offices, depots and plants by whatever means possible.
It was also the emotional day on which people were allowed to reunite with loved ones for the first time in seven weeks, albeit on a one-to-one basis in open spaces and keeping two metres apart.
And it marked freedom for leisure-seekers who were allowed once more to drive in England to beauty spots, play tennis, golf, go boating, visit garden centres and take unlimited exercise in the cool spring sunshine.
London Underground usage was 8.7 per cent busier during the early period before 6am compared with last week, Transport for London said.
Some 270,000 people have taken the Tube in recent days, compared with four million daily before the lockdown.
Waterloo and Victoria stations were quiet during the morning rush hour, with only handfuls of passengers on the concourses.
But there were alarming pictures of crowding on some carriages, while the two-metre social distancing rule appeared to fall by the wayside on some buses.
Only a fraction of public transport users wore DIY face coverings as advised by the Mayor and the Prime Minister, reflecting the confusion over official messaging in recent weeks.
But there were alarming pictures of crowding on some carriages, while the two-metre social distancing rule appeared to fall by the wayside on some buses.
Only a fraction of public transport users wore DIY face coverings as advised by the Mayor and the Prime Minister, reflecting the confusion over official messaging in recent weeks.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said it was vital to avoid public transport so that key workers such as medics and passengers with no alternative ways of travelling could get to work.
“We are asking people to be very sensible and not flood back to public transport,” he said.
“Even with all the trains and buses back to running when they are, there will not be enough space.”
Tensions between the Mayor of London and the Government surfaced. Sadiq Khan issued a tweet that stressed: “lockdown has not been lifted … stay at home as much as possible”.
But Mr Shapps said the Government wanted City Hall to put on more buses and Tube services so that there would be more space for passengers.
