The following are statements released by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Christmas Transport Tsar, Sir Peter Hendy on Tier 4 travel this morning (Sunday, 20 December):

"It is incredibly important that people follow the guidance, stay at home and do not attempt to travel. Our focus must be stopping the spread of this virus, protecting lives and our NHS.

"If you are in Tier 4, the law means you must stay at home and you cannot stay overnight away from home. Across the rest of the country, you must stay local.

"Follow the guidance and please do not come to a station unless you are permitted to travel. Extra British Transport Police officers are being deployed to ensure only those who need to take essential journeys can travel safely."

Statement from Christmas Transport Tsar, Sir Peter Hendy:

"The message is clear – to combat this virus, you must follow the guidance and stay at home.

"At stations we will be deploying extra staff, announcements will make the law clear, and additional British Transport Police officers are in place to ensure that only essential journeys take place.

"People considering driving should also stay at home or stay local. The new restrictions mean that people should not travel into or out of Tier 4 areas, and across the country you should stay local. You should play your part in tackling the spread of this virus."