Virgin lifts peak restrictions on Friday evening trains from London

The difference in the cost of peak tickets – which are sold for trains at the busiest times – and off-peak tickets previously led to huge demand for the first Friday night off-peak trains at around 7pm.

Virgin Trains says congestion has eased since it began a trial to end Friday afternoon peak restrictions in July, so it has now decided to make the change permanent.

The move will reduce the cost of some return fares, such as those to Glasgow, by over £100.

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Will the move reduce congestion?

The trial resulted in a decrease in overcrowding on a number of services, including:

• 7pm from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly (from 113% to 51%)

• 7.03pm from London Euston to Birmingham New Street (from 113% to 39%)

• 7.10pm from London Euston to Holyhead (from 123% to 85%)

What does Virgin Trains say?

Virgin Trains' commercial director Sarah Copley said: "Rather than everyone waiting for the first off-peak train on Friday evening, people can now travel whenever's convenient for them.

"This change means we've been able to reduce congestion, whilst helping people save money and make an earlier start to their weekends."