Unions unite to make rail election issue

The two most powerful rail unions today joined forces to make the ailing state of the national network a major election issue. The RMT, launching a campaign which includes a Glasgow-London march, is highlighting road pollution to argue for the return of the railways to public control.

Leader Bob Crow said: "The campaign aims to persuade the Government that public ownership of the railways will provide a better deal for travellers, taxpayers and the public generally."

Meanwhile, Aslef, urging improved safety on the railways, is calling for measures against rising vandalism and wants new technology fitted that will alert train drivers when there is an obstacle on the track ahead.