Commuters could benefit from a fight to stop proposed increases to rail fares going ahead.

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council is to challenge next year's possible 8% hike by sending letters to the Trains Minister and Southeastern Railway.

Cllr Nicolas Heslop, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation pictured right, said: "This year's likely level of ticket price increases comes on top of year on year rises well in excess of the retail price index.

"The cumulative effect of rail fare increases on commuters within this borough whose livelihoods depend on travel to and from London is devastating, all the more so at a time when there is severe restraint on wage rises.

"Tonbridge Line Commuters told us that if current percentage increases continue, the cost of commuting between Tonbridge and London will be £4,788 by 2014. A staggering amount compared to the cost of commuting in 1995 at £1,864.

"We will be voicing our deep concerns by writing to the managing director of the train company, Southeastern Railway, and to the Trains Minister at the Transport Department urging the utmost restraint in the level of the proposed fare increases at this difficult time for rail passengers."

The decision was taken after discussions at a Rail Forum held at the council's Kings Hill Offices on Wednesday October 19.

Local councillors and representatives of Tonbridge Line Commuters had an opportunity to quiz Network Rail and Southeastern Railway about a variety of issues including the forthcoming improvement works at Tonbridge station, the railway industry's preparations for the coming winter and, most importantly, imminent fare increases.