The fear factor and uncharted waters ahead

IT'S well over two months since Prime Minster Boris Johnson announced the lockdown, and while some restrictions have been eased, with more in the pipeline, there is no firm consensus on how a high level of 'normality' is re-established.

The fact people are permitted 'to visit a public open space for the purposes of open-air recreation to promote their physical or mental health or emotional well-being' was a great step forward, provided it is not abused.

From discussions I've had with friends and colleagues who have been self-isolating, they too want to escape the lockdown to provide some respite from their domestic surroundings, but they also want to feel safe; and here is the elephant in the room - the overarching fear factor of contracting the coronavirus.

Shutting down was easy, reopening less so. It has to be phased, risk assessed at each stage, but above all, even if somewhere is open, visitors need to feel safe and confident in their surroundings.

While there is talk of some heritage railways reopening as early as August or September - with distancing - even if lines do open with limited capacity, will there be the inclination to visit?

Regardless of the financial pressures heritage lines are under, reopening cannot be rushed and several may not open this year. Some are watching developments, with plans in place, ready to react.

It's no different for train operators. They too are working to strict guidelines on distancing, but facing limited capacities. It raises so many questions about when services might be increased to the full timetable, how distancing will be relaxed, whether passengers feel safe, and how long face masks will be needed.

With all franchises now under Government control, what the future holds is unclear, and it may be impossible to return to franchises as they were. It's a big unknown.

Whatever happens as we sail into uncharted waters, The Railway Magazine will keep you up to date with the latest developments.