Tens of thousands of commuters are enduring a day of disruption after a train drivers' strike crippled rail services in the south east of England.

Just 10% of Connex trains were being run in London and the south east leading to travel chaos as thousands were forced to take to the roads.

Last ditch talks failed to avert the strike by drivers from the UK's largest rail company, who are in dispute over drivers' working rest days.

Many stations in Kent, Sussex and Greater London were deserted during the normally packed rush-hour because no trains were stopping.

Connex was only running around 350 trains instead of its usual 3,500. Those that did run were crammed full of commuters.

Gillingham station in Kent was closed for half an hour because of overcrowding.

An accident at the busy Blackwall Tunnel in south east London caused extra problems for beleaguered travellers, who faced a nightmare journey to the capital on the roads.

Talks failed

Connex said two meetings were held with local officials of train drivers' union Aslef on Monday, but no breakthrough was achieved.

It has posted emergency timetables at stations, spelling out the disruption commuters can expect.

The company said trains were busier than normal but said overcrowding had not reached "uncomfortable levels".

Integrated Transport Information Services, which provides travel data, said 250,000 extra cars could hit roads into London, causing a traffic gridlock.

"People need to consider car-sharing, working from home or starting their journeys very much earlier to avoid what will be a nightmare day," said a spokesman.

An RAC spokesman said roads into London from the south east were busier than normal, with traffic problems compounded by several accidents and breakdowns.

"I think patience will be on the short side today," he added.

"Roads are bad at the best of times, so we urge people to share cars, stagger their journeys or work from home."

French-owned Connex has been locked in legal dispute with Aslef since before Christmas.

Talks had been progressing, but the union accused Connex of stalling and held a strike ballot.

Connex has accused the union of showing "a complete disregard" for passengers and their own members.

The drivers are planning to stage six one-day walkouts in all as part of a wider campaign for a shortened working week and improved employee relations.

Connex stands to lose £1m for each day of strike action.

Aslef's general secretary, Mick Rix, said: "As we have said throughout this dispute, if Connex are prepared to enter into meaningful discussions, we will respond positively."

As part of the emergency measures, driver-instructors will be drafted in to drive some trains.

But Connex is hoping service levels could be increase if union members choose to defy the strike.

'Victorian employment attitude'

In an open letter to Connex published on Monday, Aslef showed little sign of backing down.

Writing to the Morning Star newspaper, Aslef General Secretary Mick Rix accused Connex of breaking promises over a shorter working week and pensionable pay.

He also hit out at "misinformation" appearing on Connex leaflets and newspaper adverts.

"Instead of Connex conducting its Victorian employment attitudes in the media, it would be better employed using the taxpayers' money to provide a better public service," he said.

"It should send its macho managers on modern-day industrial relations training courses that would teach them the value of relationships with employees and customers alike."

Further action is planned on 2, 10, 18, 21, and 29 February.