Strike action by London Trams workers caused Transport for London (TfL) to urge users to seek alternative routes Thursday.

TfL said Thursday morning that tram services across South London, including those between East Croydon, Beckenham Junction and Elmers End would run no services during the strike, with partial service returning to some lines from 8pm.

TfL said: "No services will run between East Croydon and Beckenham Junction and Elmers End. From 20:00, trams run about every 15 minutes until normal close of service.

The city transport authority added that bus routes were a viable alternative during the day and advised tram users to allow more time for their journeys.

TfL said: "Use alternatives to trams where possible, particularly during the peak hours of 08:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 18:00. Allow more time for your journey. Local bus services will be busier than usual but serve many destinations on the tram network."

TfL advised that tram tickets and passes would be valid on London Bus routes during the strike: "Travelcard season tickets will be accepted on alternative services within the usual valid zones, as normal.

"Customers travelling outside their zones will be charged a pay as you go fare (if using Oyster) or must buy an extension ticket.

"Bus and Tram Pass tickets will be valid on buses."

The strike was called after ASLEF Train Drivers' Union representatives and FirstTram Operations, who operate the Croydon Tram system, failed to reach an agreement over pay and conditions that tram drivers striking on Thursday are demanding be improved.

Aslef said Monday that over 99 per cent of their members who voted on the action had backed the walkout and highlighted the stress and tough conditions tram drivers work under.

Finn Brennan, ASLEF's District Organiser on Tramlink, said: "Our members showed their reaction to the company's pay offer by returning a Yes vote of 99.1% in favour of strike action, on a turnout of almost 90 per cent.

"Management have not changed the offer. Despite six months of talks, management are not prepared to make an offer that recognises that our members do a difficult and stressful job and deserve to be properly rewarded."

"Staff on Tramlink have seen their pension benefits slashed and are paid much less than those in similar roles in other TfL modes. They want to see real improvements to reflect the responsible job they do."