Southern Railway drivers have cut their strike from six to three days but warn of further action in the driver-only trains’ dispute.

Members of Aslef, the trade union representing train drivers, were due to strike from Monday, which would have stopped services for the week.

The union announced that strikes will now be held on January 10, 11 and 13 but not on other days next week.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the move did not mean the union was rolling back and warned of further strikes.

Mr Whelan said the union's executive will meet later this month and there was a "likelihood" that more strikes will be called.

The union had reduced next week's action out of consideration for how long the dispute will last and because of concerns from the public about the impact of a week-long stoppage.

Southern's passengers have suffered months of delays due to industrial action, staff shortages and other problems.

Aslef members are currently banning overtime which is leading to services being cancelled or delayed every day.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union is also embroiled in a dispute with Southern over changes to the role of conductors, which has led to a series of strikes.

Mr Whelan said Aslef members continued to have safety concerns about driver-only trains, claiming the union had raised issues which had been ignored.

A leaflet will be handed to passengers next week with images of platforms from monitors issued by the company, compared to photographs taken by drivers which are blurred and dark.

Mr Whelan accused the Government of being behind the dispute, saying the Transport Department had a "perverse belief" that driver-only trains would lead to quicker services.

He said there was a 25% shortage of drivers on Southern which is why the overtime ban was having such an impact.

Aslef is involved in pay talks with Southern but Mr Whelan said they would not resolve the dispute over staffing.

A Southern spokesman said: "This is a cynical ploy to minimise the impact on Aslef's drivers' pay packets and maximises misery, disruption and hardship for passengers.

"Aslef's move shows pure contempt for the travelling public and it still causes massive disruption over next week.

"These strikes are pointless and they should call the whole thing off and let common sense prevail."

Rail minister Paul Maynard urged Aslef to call off the “unnecessary strikes”.

He said: “We are investing record amounts in improving our railways and we need everyone in the rail industry to work together to deliver for passengers.”