RAIL bosses and British Transport Police are urging people to keep the Airedale line and the rest of the railway network throughout the region free for essential travel only.

The plea has been issued after reports some people have been using trains to go on day trips and visit beauty spots, despite the advice to stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

David Hoggarth, strategic rail director for Transport for the North, said: “Rail operators themselves are having to cope with high absence levels and have trimmed back services as they begin to introduce ‘key worker’ emergency timetables. Together they want to ensure the rail services that do operate are kept free for those who really need them.

“With social distancing an absolutely vital weapon in slowing the spread of coronavirus, all are determined that those who have to use the railways for essential purposes can do so with the minimum of risk – especially with many working in the region’s hospitals or other key areas of activity. Taking the train to a quiet place for a walk or some other form of exercise is not an option.”