MERSEYRAIL is making preparation for industrial action after talks with union bosses broke down over plans to introduction driver-only trains.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union is balloting its members - and officials say they anticipate them to “vote heavily” for strikes.

Walk-outs and other disruptions could begin in early-March.

The dispute centres around a new fleet of driver-only trains to replace the network’s 40-year-old rolling stock in 2020.

The RMT says the new system will compromise passenger safety as well as putting jobs at risk.

Regional organiser John Tilley said: "RMT has now been left with nowhere else to go but to ballot our members for industrial action in defence of the future operational safety of Merseyrail and the retention of the 220 skilled guards posts.

“There more details that are emerging of how Merseyrail intend to operate these new trains, the more we are alarmed and determined to retain the guard.

“Merseyrail confirmed to us last week the plans to comply with recommendation number one of the official accident report into the fatal accident at James Street station mean that on the new trains the driver will be required to monitor a set of CCTV screens in the cab but only until the train has left the station.

“That is completely at odds with the requirements of basic railway safety, that require the driver to look out of the front windscreen, watching the signals, and scanning the track for obstacles, trespassers or workers.

“As Cllr Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel, recently admitted to us this is all about money. To that end we are in discussion with senior politicians with a view to ending this reckless proposal to operate Merseyrail with only a driver on board locked up front in his cab.

“We expect our members to vote heavily in favour of taking action, as that's what it may have to take to get people to listen."

VIDEO: Artist's impression of the new fleet of driver-only trains.

Merseyrail has promised that any member of staff who is currently employed as a guard and wants to stay at the company will be guaranteed employment in another position when the trains are introduced.

Merseyrail managing director Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde said: “Merseyrail has made it clear that we will work hard to prevent strikes from taking place and are committed to continuing constructive discussions with union colleagues.

“In preparation for strike action we are now focusing on how best we can provide a service involving as little disruption as possible for passengers.”

A spokeswoman for Merseyrail said: "They will not require guards, but there will be customer service staff on board, targeted at key locations and times. There will be other members of staff on trains as well, including and security professionals and cleaners.

"We have pledged that any member of staff who is currently employed as a guard and wants to stay at Merseyrail, will be guaranteed permanent employment in an alternative position once the new trains are introduced.

"This week, we have written to all guards, outlining the roles that are likely to be open to them within Merseyrail once the new fleet is brought in."