LONDON, Jan 7: Tens of thousands of British rail travellers faced misery Monday as strikes crippled services, in a bleak start to 2002 for commuters following a year plagued with delays and disruption.

As an official report warned Britain’s transport system had fallen behind those of other European countries, commentators said the ongoing crisis could deal a heavy blow to the ruling Labour Party, elected to a second term last June after promising to improve ailing public services.

A strike was called after South West Trains and the Rail Maritime and Transport Union failed to reach a deal during 15 hours of talks over a dispute about pay and disciplinary action against two union members. The walkout disrupted services across southern England, particularly those to Waterloo Station. The underground system and roads were also crammed as commuters sought alternative means of transport.—AFP