Nearly 90 per cent of Southern rail train drivers have voted to go on strike in a dispute over the operation of train doors, the union Aslef has announced.

The train driver’s union believes there should be no introduction of new driver-only operated routes, on which conductors would be given responsibility for doors, as it would pose a safety risk

Southern rail denies this risk. 

The strike is set to start on Tuesday, December 6 and will likely cause even more disruption for users of Southern rail with walkouts scheduled for next week and over the Christmas period.

The industrial action also coincides with the 24-hour Tube strike involving the Piccadilly and Hammersmith and City lines.

In a ballot conducted by Electoral Reform Services drivers were asked whether they were prepared to strike and 630 (87 per cent) said yes with a turnout of 77 per cent.

When asked if they were prepared to take part in industrial action short of a strike, 96 per cent agreed.

Aslef's general secretary Mick Whelan said: "We have genuinely sought to reach a compromise with Southern.

“We have always been prepared to talk to the company and we have always been of the view that it should be possible to do a deal, but it takes two to tango and the company has not been prepared to negotiate.

"They have dug in their heels and forced us to ballot our members."

In response to Aslef's announcement, Govia Thameslink Railway's Chief Executive Office Charles Horton said passengers will be “furious”.

He said: "The travelling public has endured months of misery and seen their work and family lives turned upside down by RMT's futile industrial action with conductors.  

“Now Aslef and the drivers want to compound that suffering by joining the fray in launching more pointless strikes.”

Southern rail has said it is “perfectly safe” for drivers to have sole responsibility for the operation of a train.

Mr Horton said: “We urge the union to get round the table with us to continue our talks and resolve their dispute without causing further unnecessary grief to passengers.

"Passengers have made it crystal clear that they want an end to these strikes.  Both the RMT and Aslef should take stock and listen, if not to us, then at least to the travelling public.”