RAIL operator Northern has announced amended timetables designed to keep key workers on the move through the second week of lockdown.

Changes have been made to the timetables following feedback from key workers and stakeholders – with more services added in some areas to better help people get where they need to be.

Northern said it was not possible to operate its usual timetable, although it was working to provide the best possible rail service.

Changes can be viewed on the National Rail enquiries website.

The services remain aimed at transporting key workers only and Northern is issuing advice everyone else to stay at home unless their journeys are essential.

Meanwhile, the operator has introduced a number of new measures to help protect passengers and staff.

Until further notice all waiting rooms at stations will be closed. This follows advice from the Government and is in line with action taken by train operators across the country. Northern said it would review the situation in the event of bad weather.

And gateways at stations managed by Northern are now fully open, meaning passengers do not have to pass paper or season tickets through the barriers or present them to staff.

Northern has also suspended the issuing of penalty fares until further notice.

It is only accepting card payments at the majority of stations and cash payments can only be made at a small number of ticket machines.

Mark Powles, commercial and customer director at Northern, said: “The measures we have introduced today further limit person-to-person contact and help staff and passengers follow the advice from government on social distancing.”