Anger of commuters hit by 'safety' dispute

Commuters today launched a volley of criticism after suffering severe disruption as a result of a safety scare on the Tube.

The Circle line and part of the District line were totally suspended last night and service on the Hammersmith and City line was severely reduced.

Drivers walked out after fears were raised that the automatic braking system on some trains - known as the deadman's handle - might fail to work in certain circumstances. The service was back to normal this morning after the dispute, which saw RMT union activists urging drivers to stop working, was resolved.

However, last night's breakthrough came too late for commuters who faced long journeys home yesterday.

"It was horrendous," said Eileen Austin, 28, who works for a recruitment firm near Paddington and lives in Southfields. "I'm going to have to find my way to Waterloo and take a train to Clapham Junction and then a bus. It will more than double my normal 30-minute journey.

"I heard it was a strike but no one tells you what's going on. At least during the three-day strike we knew in advance so could make other plans."

Caerie Sanders, 28, a corporate finance executive from Putney, said: "It's chaos. I checked online but there was nothing. It's really annoying. I'm seriously considering buying a bike because I can't take this any more. It's so unreliable."

David Mills, 45, a motor executive who works in Primrose Hill and lives in Acton, accused the unions of holding commuters to ransom. "I don't think there's any real safety issue. The brakes are regularly maintained and I'm sure they haven't suddenly developed a fault. I really can't see a genuine reason for all the delays and cancellations," he said.

Charlotte Bradshaw, 21, from Richmond works in finance in Farringdon. She said: "As soon as I pass my test and can afford the congestion charge I'll be driving." Charlie Cannell, 32, from Fulham, works in digital marketing in Edgware Road. He said: "If it's a real safety issue then of course the drivers have my sympathy but I'm not sure what to believe."

Stuart James, 24, a PR from Putney who was trying to get home from Edgware Road, added: "It's rubbish. If we went to Switzerland or Japan we would be embarrassed by ourselves. Boris Johnson could win a few votes if he does something about the Tube."

A TfL spokesman said: "Transport for London has always stated there are no underlying safety issues and we are glad that we have been able to clarify this for the unions. This morning a normal service has been resumed."