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Key workers including NHS staff can now park for free at several Network Rail stations across the west including at Bristol Temple Meads, Chippenham, Swindon, Reading and London Paddington.

Key workers, including NHS staff, can now get to work on a more reliable and resilient railway after Network Rail completed nine upgrades between Taunton and Castle Cary in Somerset.

This week alone key workers from Network Rail have enabled more than 370,000 tonnes of freight to be moved between west London and Cornwall and into and across Wales to support the economy, the NHS, petrol at the pumps and food in shops.

Network Rail and British Transport Police are urging parents and carers in the Thames Valley, West Country and South West to hammer home railway safety messages as schools across Britain close.

This weekend Network Rail will start work on nine railway upgrades in Somerset which will take place at the same time to reduce disruption for passengers.

Residents, communities, businesses and rail users are being encouraged to have their say before a consultation period ends on Network Rail’s plans to protect a vital 1.8km section of railway in south Devon, which is bordered by steep cliffs and the sea.

Passengers are being reminded to check before they travel as Network Rail starts work this weekend on £5million worth of upgrades in Cornwall.

Plans to protect the vital rail artery to the south west from rising sea levels and extreme weather have taken a significant step forward despite challenging storm conditions.