Overcrowding on trains run by local operator One is getting worse, figures released by Liberal Democrats reveal. In 2006, 'One' carried 3.9 per cent of passengers in excess of capacity, compared with 2.9 per cent the year before. Local Liberal Democrat councillor and regular commuter Chris Millington says:

"Commuters are returning to work after Christmas only to face massive fare hikes and overcrowding. We already have the most expensive rail fares in Europe, with rail travellers facing further inflation-busting price rises.

Passengers are being forced off the railways because of hugely expensive tickets. This is yet another sign that the Government's rail policy is failing. Under Labour the cost of motoring has actually fallen, while the cost of using the trains has gone through the roof."