Southern Rail commuters faced more delays and cancellations as a train workers’ union begins a three day conductors' strike today.

The RMT union is protesting Southern Rail’s decision to introduce more driver-only operated trains, arguing that it threatens conductors’ job security and passenger safety.

A Southern Rail spokesperson has confirmed that all West London Line, London Bridge to Beckenham Junction and Brighton to Seaford services will be cancelled today, while Metro services are also set to be reduced.

Strikes and travel delays have blighted Southern Rail this year, resulting in long delays and customer dissatisfaction.

Disruptions are set to worsen next week as the drivers’ union ASLEF will begin further strikes on December 13.

Its members have been ordered not to carry out any “non-contractual work”, which includes an indefinite ban on overtime.

Southern is hoping to run 50 per cent of its full timetable this week and has said that, if ASLEF’s members do decide to strike, none of its services will operate.

Southern Director Alex Foulds said: "There will be severe and significant disruption on our network from next Tuesday and customers are advised that stations will be incredibly busy.

"If passengers can make alternative travel arrangements – they should – and if they don't have to travel – they shouldn't.

“If the drivers' strikes go ahead, there will be no services on Southern and customers should not attempt to travel.”

However, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), Southern's parent company, has applied to the High Court to stop next week’s strikes, with the hearing likely to be heard next week.