MP predicts a riot over surge in rail fares

AN MP today warned of riots by rail passengers after fares were increased by more than twice the rate of inflation.

Roger Gale, Tory member for North Thanet, described the increases, due to come into force in January, as "intolerable" and said that with people already suffering the effects of the credit crunch they could "lead to civil disobedience".

His constituents, who travel by Southeastern, face the highest increases in the UK as Southeastern has been given government permission to increase fares by an average of eight per cent. It says the increase is needed to pay for high-speed commuter services due to operate on the Channel Tunnel link between Ashford and St Pancras International at the end of next year.

But some fares will rise far more than average; an annual season from Gillingham to London goes up by £280 to £3,020 (10.2 per cent), from Tonbridge by £260 to £3,000 (9.5 per cent) and from Canterbury by £300 to £3780 (8.6 per cent).

Mr Gale has written to Charles Horton, Southeastern's managing director, saying that commuters are being forced to pay for a new service which they will not use because they do not want to travel into St Pancras. Southeastern's routes currently serve Charing Cross, Cannon Street, London Bridge and Victoria.

Mr Gale called on Southeastern to limit the increases to 3.3 per cent or below. "My constituents cannot bear yet another unrealistic burden," he added.

However, Mike Gibson, public affairs manager for Southeastern, said in a reply to Mr Gale: "The high-speed services to St Pancras will reduce journey times from some stations and provide more choice for customers in parts of Kent and Thames Gateway area.

"Our research suggests that they will be popular services."