If you were planning to visit London with your family, the news about the September Tube strikes probably made you stop and think twice. For several days, much of the London Underground was not working because of a major strike. This meant that millions of people had to find other ways to move around the city, such as buses, trains, bikes, or walking.
The question of safety will also naturally come up during times like these. Did the strikes make it harder or more stressful to travel, especially with children? And what if it happens again?
The simple answer is that London was and is still safe to travel, even during Tube strikes. The city didn’t suddenly become dangerous, but it does become more crowded and a bit more difficult to move around.
However, the strikes caused a few problems that travellers should know and be ready for, such as longer travel times, busier streets, and fewer transport options.
Otherwise, London’s public safety, such as policing, hospitals, and emergency response, didn’t collapse because of the strikes. Tourist attractions, shops, restaurants and even major museums remained open. Some may have adjusted opening hours or asked visitors to allow extra travel time, but for the most part, things still run smoothly.
The main safety considerations to keep in mind are practical rather than criminal. For example, the risks that come with dense crowds, longer journeys with kids, or challenges with buses or taxis.
If you plan to visit London or happen to be in the city during or after a Tube strike, don’t worry. You can still have a great trip. You just need to plan a little more and stay flexible. Here are some simple tips to help you move around safely and keep your trip stress-free.
Choose a hotel or place to stay near the main attractions. This way, you can walk to many places instead of depending on the Tube. It saves time and energy, especially when travelling with children.
During the strikes, buses, trains, and the Elizabeth Line still ran, although they were busier than usual. You can also use taxis, rideshare apps, or river boats. Just plan for extra travel time, as roads can get crowded.
If you must use public transport, travel in the middle of the day when it’s less busy. Early mornings and evenings are the most crowded times, so plan your outings after 9 am and before 5 pm if possible.
Walking is often faster than sitting in traffic, and it is a fun way to see more of the city. If you can, don't wait for taxis or buses. Just take a walk and enjoy the sights.
Always check the Transport for London (TfL) website or social media before heading out. It gives live updates about which lines are open or delayed. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
London remains safe and welcoming for families, even during times when there are transport disruptions. The strikes mainly affected how people moved around the city, not the overall safety of visitors.
While travel during the strikes was a bit slower and more crowded, the city continued to run smoothly. Police, hospitals, and emergency services worked as normal, and all the major attractions stayed open. Families just needed to plan their days more carefully, allow extra time, and choose better places to stay.
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