A train operator that serves East Lancashire has issued 10 per cent fewer penalty fares in the first month since the government increase the fine to £100, compared to the same period last year.

Northern said 3,831 people were caught travelling without a valid ticket or ‘promise to pay’ notice and were issued with a penalty fare, compared to 4,261 in the same period last year, a drop of 430.

Adult passengers accounted for 81 per cent of the penalty fares issued, while under 18s made up the remaining 19 per cent.

Mark Powles, commercial and customer director at Northern, said: “A sudden 10 per cent reduction in the number of penalty fares being issued would suggest the increase to £100 has been effective in terms of a deterrent.

"Of course, this is only the first month - but it is definitely a step in the right direction.

“Upwards of 95 per cent of our customers do the right thing and buy a ticket before they travel – and having invested in the largest network of digital ticket infrastructure of any train operator in the country, Northern has made it easier than ever to buy a ticket via our app, website or one of more than 600 ticket machines across the network. There really is no excuse.”

The new £100 penalty fare came into effect on January 23. Since 2005 the penalty had been £20, but the industry felt this was too low and no longer an effective deterrent to fare evaders.

Money raised through penalty fares issued by Northern will be re-invested in the rail industry to improve the service offered to all customers.

Industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) estimates every year around £240 million is lost through fare evasion on the country’s railways.

Penalty fares are reduced to £50 if paid within 21 days.