THE SOUTH West’s leading train operators GWR and South Western Railway have announced the trial of a powerful sanitising treatment which kills 99.99 percent of viruses and bacteria.

The special treatment, which will be sprayed inside train carriages overnight to coats all surfaces , is proven to fight against Covid-19 for up to 28 days.

The trial is the latest addition in the operators’ already enhanced cleaning regimes to make travel on its networks as safe as possible for customers and staff.

GWR Interim Managing Director Matthew Golton said: “For those who need to travel, we are doing everything we can to carry as many people, safely, as we can.

“This new trial is just one example of that, helping those who do need to travel to do so with confidence.

“But please do help us by planning ahead, travelling, where possible, at quieter times, and wear a face covering to keep yourself and our staff safe.”

The trial comes in the midst of the further easement of lockdown restrictions, and the introduction of mandatory face coverings, from Monday 15 June.

With the further easing of lockdown restrictions due on Monday, the train operator is asking customers to wear face coverings and avoid peak travel times.

Commuters are also advised to plan ahead and check train times in advance, and buy tickets online, on Smart card or mobile.

A new update to the National Rail App now indicates to people searching for a journey if a specific train or station is looking busy.

It will take operational messages about busy trains and stations that are sent by frontline rail staff to control rooms and display these in passenger-friendly language on their journey planning websites and apps.

People will see a red or yellow warning triangle when they search their journey and, by clicking on it, will be able to find out more information and advice.

To minimise risks, customers are also asked to wash their hands prior to and after their journey, and hand-sanitiser has been made available at GWR’s main stations.

Food and drink will also not be sold on board trains.