Southeastern Railway has announced changes to its timetable for the autumn season, meaning trains might set off earlier.

This new timetable will take effect from October 13 until to December 14.

The adjustments are aimed at keeping trains running smoothly and on time as the colder months settle in.

Commuters can expect some morning services to leave a few minutes earlier than usual during this period.

The reason behind these changes is to address the potential issue of leaves on the track.

Autumn sees around 50 million leaves fall onto railway tracks, which, when compressed under the weight of train wheels, create a slippery layer similar to black ice according to Southeastern.

This makes it harder for trains to stop and start as their wheels lose grip on the tracks.

To ensure safety, Southeastern has added a few extra minutes to certain journey times.

As well as the timetable adjustments, the railway company claims it is actively managing the issue.

They maintain hundreds of miles of trackside vegetation throughout the year and run special "leaf-busting" trains during the autumn.

These trains are equipped with water jets that clean the rails and apply an adhesion modifier gel to help train wheels grip the tracks better.

Passengers are also advised to keep an eye on services on a day-by-day basis, as trains may call less frequently at certain stations when weather conditions and leaf fall make tracks particularly slippery.

For commuters looking to plan ahead, Southeastern has made its autumn timetables available for download on their website.

The routes adjusted include:

• 1 – London, Tonbridge and Ashford International to Canterbury West, Folkestone, Dover, Ramsgate and Margate

• 2 – London to the Medway Towns, Sittingbourne, Sheerness, Faversham, Ramsgate, Canterbury East and Dover

• 3a – London to Ashford International via Maidstone East

• 3b – Strood to Maidstone West and Paddock Wood • 4 – London and Sevenoaks to Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Battle and Hastings