Rail strike latest: see the revised Waterloo to Ascot train timetable here

Racegoers travelling by train to Royal Ascot this week face travel disruption after it was confirmed on Monday afternoon that a five-day strike will start at midnight, although a spokesperson said the service from London Waterloo would be relatively "comprehensive".

The dispute between South Western Railway (SWR) and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) involving the presence of guards on trains ended in stalemate on Monday with neither side willing to give ground.

Racegoers travelling by train on the London Waterloo to Reading line to and from Ascot will have four trains per hour available in the three hours before the first race (2.30) and four trains per hour in the three hours after the last race (5.35).

An SWR statement said: "Extra morning and early evening trains will run between London Waterloo and Reading for racegoers travelling to and from the Royal Ascot meeting.

"Queueing 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."

The Royal Ascot executive have already stated that extra car parking capacity will be available at the course for those who decide to try to avoid the inevitable delays and disruption and travel by road instead of using the trains.

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