South Western Railway strike expected to bring chaos to Royal Ascot as heavy rain forecast

Rail strikes and road congestion are expected to bring chaos to those travelling to the Royal Ascot, with attendees warned to set off early.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union  is planning a strike on South Western Railway (SWR) trains for the duration of the event, from Tuesday to Saturday, meaning there will be reduced train services at crucial times.

Because fewer people will be travelling by train some road congestion is expected, and those arriving by car have been advised to set off early.

A spokesperson for Royal Ascot said: "There is a limited service operating on the trains so we are advising visitors to look at the updated timetables on the SWR website. Those coming by car, we are advising, should start their journeys earlier, as the roads will naturally be busier."

Those heading to train stations can expect to face long queues, with a spokesperson from South Western Railway adding: "Extra morning and early evening trains will run between London Waterloo and Reading for racegoers travelling to and from the Royal Ascot meeting.

"Queuing systems will be in place at some stations during these events, so it may take extra time to board your train.  We recommend you check your journey before travelling and leave plenty of time to complete your journey."

It is also looking to be a damp Ascot, with heavy showers predicted as the unseasonably wet June continues.

However, organisers do not expect this to pose too much of an issue. A spokesperson said: "Wet Royal Ascots happen from time to time. The forecast is changeable and we will get some showers this week but it's not a concern. It’s Britain!"

While trains have been reduced, the operator has tried to ensure there are enough at crucial times.

Three  hours before the first race (2pm) and three hours after the last race (5.30pm) there will be four trains per hour in each direction from Waterloo to Reading, via Ascot. Between these times two train services will run every hour in each direction.

There will be a bus replacement service for Ascot to Guilford services before 10am. After 10am and until 9.45pm, there will be a train service every 70 minutes.

There will be replacement bus services between Virginia Water and Weybridge station all day from Tuesday to Friday.

On Saturday, the amended timetable will be similar to the above.

The union said SWR was not prepared to give assurances that its new operational model won't move to driver controlled operation, which sparked fears of a "stitch up".

According to the union, the train company pledged in February that "each passenger train shall operate with a guard with safety critical competencies", which led the union to suspend industrial action.

Union officials said since then it has been a "stalemate", accusing the company of "rowing back" on its public pledges.

Union general secretary Mick Cash said: "Our members have been left with no choice but to go ahead with strike action tomorrow. They are angry and frustrated that despite suspending action in good faith, and entering into talks in a positive and constructive manner, South Western Railway have dragged their heels and failed to bolt down an agreement that matches up to our expectations on the guard guarantee."

A South Western Railway spokesman said: "It's very disappointing that despite having had dates in the diary for what we hoped would be further constructive talks, the RMT union decided to call disruptive strike action over the course of five days."

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