Commuters risk being stranded at London Waterloo as the last trains for South Western Railway (SWR) services are to leave as early as 5:45pm.

The rail operator is urging customers "to only travel if absolutely necessary" as services to and from the capital have been reduced to "an extremely limited service" due to ASLEF strike action.

ASLEF, a major union representing 96% of Britain's train drivers, is striking in efforts to secure their first pay rise since April 2019, over five years ago.

The union hopes the strike will "increase the pressure" on both train companies, and "the tone-deaf Tory government that stands behind them".

SWR has warned commuters these last trains are likely to be very busy, and should be avoided where possible.

A map showing the limited services running today, 7 May. (Photo: SWR)

Many stations in the area like Kingston, New Malden, Berrylands, Teddington, and Tolworth, will receive no services.

Only a few stations – including Richmond, Twickenham, Surbiton, Wimbledon and Clapham Junction – will receive service, and are likely to see overcrowded trains as the network's capacity is reduced.

Earlier today, 7 May, SWR announced: "Don't get stranded! Due to strike action today, last trains will start departing from around 5pm."

The departure times for last trains from London Waterloo are as follows:

• London Waterloo to Feltham: 6:07pm
• London Waterloo to Basingstoke: 6:15pm
• London Waterloo to Woking: 6:20pm
• London Waterloo to Guildford: 5:45pm

For trains to London Waterloo:

• Feltham to London Waterloo: 6:11pm
• Basingstoke to London Waterloo: 6:10pm
• Woking to London Waterloo: 5:50pm
• Guildford to London Waterloo: 5:49pm 

Reduced services will continue until Saturday 11 May due to an ongoing overtime ban.