London Underground gave warning that industrial action would cripple services because the organising union, Aslef, represents 80% of drivers, although some trains will run. The strike began last night, but will bite today as the 3m passengers who take the tube daily switch to alternative transport.
The AA warned that roads in the capital and across the south-east could become jammed as people switched to their cars, with roads up to a third busier than normal. Firms warned that the strike would cost business around £3.5m.
Government officials had hoped to forestall industrial action after progress in talks with Bob Kiley, the capital's transport commissioner, over the public-private partnership (PPP) plans for the tube.
Mick Rix, Aslef's general secretary, said yesterday: "We are sorry that London Underground management has still not seriously addressed the continuing safety concerns on the tube and that tomorrow's strike has to go ahead despite the apparent progress made last week."
The Rail Maritime and Transport Union is unable to join the strike because the high court ruled last week that there were irregularities in its ballot.
The industrial action coincides with a threat from air controllers to strike over the Easter holiday unless the government abandons plans to part-privatise the air safety network.
