Double dose of rail delays

Up to 100,000 passengers using mainline services to and from Paddington face a "double whammy" of disruption in rows over working conditions for train drivers.

The 900 First Great Western drivers will be balloted for strike action following claims that some were "forced" to work when unwell.

Aslef, the drivers' union, is also ordering its members not to work on their rest days. The result will be declared on 12 November and union officials predict overwhelming support for a strike.

There were more warnings of disruption on rail lines out of London after Aslef ordered drivers to slow to 20mph when passing ungated level crossings.

Aslef reported "numerous incidents" involving crossings without a gate. Union bosses are demanding all such crossings are fitted with barriers.

Keith Norman, Aslef's general secretary, attacked Network Rail for not spending money to gate crossings.