Fare dodgers on commuter services to and from London will be punished by an innovative football-style red and yellow card system.

Train operator Connex will scrap its current method of issuing £10 on-the-spot fines in a bid to claw back the £30m it loses every year.

The company says 9,000 passengers a day try to avoid buying a ticket and admits the present penalty system does not work.

From January 1, 2002, inspectors will issue a "yellow card" warning, which will carry an administration fee, and the offender's details will be taken.

A second offence will result in an immediate court summons, which could mean a fine of up to £1,000 or three months in prison.

Connex spokesman Dave Ewart told the News Shopper: "We are aware people try to dodge the system by just paying £10 when they are caught but this will put a stop to that.

"I'm not aware of any other rail operator which is doing this. We want to drive home the message that you need a valid ticket for your journey.

"As it stands at the moment we can prosecute straight away if we feel it is necessary and this will not change."

November 30, 2001 16:00