Don't expect to travel anywhere by train today.

Southeastern services across Kent will be among those hit by a national rail strike called by the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) and in parts of the country by the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA), who are both calling for better pay and no compulsory redundancies.

Maidstone East Station like many others is displaying signs saying that no services will be running today, and that services tomorrow, Sunday, will also be disrupted as the network attempts to get back to normal.

Station platforms are deserted across the country, as the strike is also affecting 13 other rail companies in Britain as well as some London tube trains, the Gatwick Express and Thameslink.

Today's walk-out follows two similar strikes on Saturday, October 1, and on Wednesday, October 5.

Southeastern said it hoped to have some trains running on the Ashford high speed line via Ebbsfleet to St Pancras, on the Dartford line to London Bridge, and on the Sevenoaks line to London Bridge, but they will not be running to the normal timetable with trains running only between 7.30am and 6.30pm.

Other stations would be closed with no substitute rail services.

The company's advice to the public was "Don't attempt to travel unless absolutely necessary."

The RMT has a mandate from its members for industrial action until November 23. ASLEF and TSSA have mandates till January 10.

The unions can call further strikes during these periods without returning to their members.

RMT train drivers are planning to man picket lines at Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells stations today.

Passengers with a ticket for today whose journey is cancelled are entitled to a refund, or they can travel on another day up to and including Tuesday, October 11. Season ticket holders are entitled to compensation through the delay repay scheme.