UK Covid test drop-off boxes overflowing after surge in travel

Randox Health faces criticism for failing to meet demand after restrictions were eased

PCR tests are piled on top of overflowing collection boxes operated by Randox Health.

One of the UK's biggest providers of Covid-19 PCR tests has promised to increase collections after pictures of overflowing drop-off boxes were shared online.

Randox Health said it would boost its testing capacity after struggling to meet surging demand for its services as restrictions on foreign travel were relaxed.

Customers expressed outrage over the images that showed collection points in London and Scotland piled high with tests and spilling on to the street.

Travellers who arrive in the UK must undergo at least one PCR test – sometimes costing in excess of £50 ($69) each – if they have arrived from countries on the green or amber travel lists.

Arrivals from amber-list countries must take tests on day two and day eight of their stay in the UK, adding considerably to the costs families face to go on holiday abroad.

Randox said it could provided PCR result in 24 hours, but many travellers say they are waiting much longer, often forcing them to change their travel plans.

Ben Bradshaw, a Labour party MP for Exeter, called for changes to be made to testing rules and described the current cost of PCR tests as a "rip off", particularly compared with other European countries.

He said he would raise the matter in parliament.

Randox is "constantly expanding and improving its Covid-19 testing capacity and associated logistics network, which is already the largest in the United Kingdom", to meet increasing demand as travel restrictions ease, a representative for the company said.

"Randox continues to increase the number of drop boxes across the United Kingdom, which already totals over 200, and is increasing the frequency of box collections which are already occurring multiple times per day," they said.

"Randox is providing premium testing services in dynamic and rapidly changing circumstances and is committed to continuously improving its logistics network, to ensure that international travellers receive their results in time. All of the sample kits pictured will be processed."

On Sunday, UK competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority, said it would look into the cost of Covid-19 tests for travellers.

It comes after UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said high prices for the government-mandated tests were preventing some people from going on holiday.

“People should be able to go on holiday, whether it’s to see family or just to relax, without fearing excessive fees for PCR tests," he said on Twitter.