London's 20 busiest Tube stations people urged to avoid due to overcrowding

Barking has been ranked the busiest station in London people should avoid during peak hours unless making essential journeys.

Transport for London (TfL) has compiled a list of the 20 most popular stations to help people avoid overcrowding hotspots as the coronavirus lockdown eases.

It is urging travellers not to go to the stations during peak hours unless journeys are essential.

The list includes stations across the capital, such as, East Ham, North Acton and Walthamstow Central.

It will be regularly updated depending on journey patterns.

Passengers are warned they should "expect to queue to enter" some stations, as transport bosses attempt to allow two-metre social distancing "wherever possible".

Those who arrive in central London at mainline stations are being asked to complete their journey by walking or cycling, rather than changing onto a Tube train or bus.

Transport bosses will attempt to allow two-metre social distancing "wherever possible" (Guy Bell/Shutterstock)

The Tube network is at its busiest from 5.45am to 8.15am and 4pm to 5.30pm.

TfL said: "It will help keep everyone safe if you can travel outside these times."

The capacity of Tube stations and trains will be constrained even once services are restored to full strength.

Tube peak times are from 5.45am to 8.15am and 4pm to 5.30pm (REUTERS)

TfL services have been reduced in recent weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it has pledged to return them to "as close to 100% as soon as possible" as part of its agreement with the Government for a £1.6 billion bailout.

Operations were ramped up on Monday, meaning TfL is running 75% of Tube services, 85% of bus services and 80% of London Overground and Docklands Light Railway services.

People are being urged to avoid rush hour (AFP via Getty Images)

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "Even when services are running at the highest possible frequency, the need to maintain safe social distancing will dramatically reduce capacity on the Tube to just 13-15%.

"We are making it safer for people who have no alternative but to use public transport by reopening stations, installing hand sanitiser points, introducing one-way systems and reminding people of the need to stay two metres apart.

"We are also making sure Londoners know which stations to avoid at what times."

Mr Khan added that people should only use public transport "as a last resort".

- Here is a full list of London's busiest stations:

1. Barking
2. Brixton
3. Canada Water
4. Canary Wharf
5. Canning Town
6. Clapham Junction
7. East Croydon
8. East Ham
9. Lewisham
10. Leyton
11. Liverpool Street (Tube)
12. London Bridge (Tube)
13. North Acton
14. Seven Sisters
15. Stratford
16. Walthamstow Central
17. West Croydon
18. West Ham
19. Wood Green
20. Woolwich Arsenal