Passengers with rail travel vouchers which have expired or are due to expire between 20 October 2020 and 30 June 2021 will get an additional six months after their original expiry date to redeem them. The extension is to recognise the fact that most passengers have been unable to use the vouchers during the second and third national lockdowns.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “This extension ensures that passengers with travel vouchers are not penalised for following government advice. By offering people more time to redeem their vouchers, we are ensuring that passengers will not be left out of pocket as they come back to the railways.”

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive officer of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “This welcome extension means more people will be able to get out and about by train as restrictions ease. With rail companies boosting cleaning, adding services to support social distancing and the vast majority of people wearing face coverings, returning passengers can travel with confidence.”

The government is still advising people to minimise their travel and work from home where they can. However, for those who are travelling, people are advised to walk and cycle where possible, and if travelling on public transport to plan their journeys in advance and travel at quiet times and on quieter routes.

When travelling, people should regularly sanitise their hands, wear a face covering unless exempt and keep their distance where possible.