Hard-hit commuters faced the highest rail fare hikes in the country on their return to work following the New Year break.  Despite the average tariff rising by 6.2 per cent, passengers in Bromley are now doubly worse off with increases of almost 13 per cent.

Season ticket holders in Beckenham and Orpington who commute to London will be the most out-of-pocket, with rises of 12.8 per cent and 12.71 per cent respectively.

Orpington MP Jo Johnson, who lobbied Transport Minister Philip Hammond to cap the fares, said: "The only consolation, and it's a meagre one, is that there is now less disparity between the South East and the rest of the country. It is really important that we have a commuter transport system which is competitive with cars."

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