Network Rail has taken action to improve London Euston station, where there have been complaints of dangerous congestion on the ramps leading to the platforms after departures had been announced almost at the last minute.

A trial of ‘earlier boarding’ is being introduced on Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern trains, so that people will not be in such a hurry.

The announcement comes after Network Rail and the Department for Transport had announced a five-point plan to improve the situation. Transport secretary Louise Haigh intervened after protests from passengers and claims that the overcrowding was dangerous.

Around 40 per cent of Avanti West Coast departures are now being announced 20 minutes before departure, and the proportion will grow over the coming weeks, while ‘continuous boarding’ of London Northwestern Railway's Birmingham services was introduced on 21 October. Passengers are now invited to platforms to await their train as soon as the previous service has departed.

Network Rail West Coast South route director Gary Walsh said: ‘Getting passengers to their services in good time is at the heart of our improvements at Euston, and today’s changes will tackle that issue head-on. Taking quick and effective action is at the core of our five-point plan which I’m pleased to say is starting to deliver for our passengers at London Euston.’

Network Rail has also convened its first rail industry summit to give passenger user groups and government an update on progress with Euston’s five-point improvement plan.

Louise Haigh said: ‘For too long, Euston station simply has not been good enough. That’s why I have tasked Network Rail and operators with delivering a clear plan to alleviate some of the issues passengers are facing while we work on a long-term solution for the station.’