Anyone travelling on Southeastern with an off-peak ticket will have to pay more for their journey.

From Sunday, the train company said fares will increase by 3.4% or 10p, depending on whatever is the biggest amount.

It means those who have until now travelled after 10am will be hit in the pocket in the same way as commuters at the beginning of the year.

Unlike the new year price rises for regulated fares, these tickets are unregulated and so the transport company can put their cost up by as much as they like.

Public transport campaigner for the Campaign for Better Transport Lianna Etkind said: "This is a really appalling way to treat their passengers.

"Now Southeastern passengers who've had quite a bad year with disruption with the work at London Bridge have to put up with some more fare rises.

"These back door fare rises are going to put people off choosing the train and that means more congestion and more bad air quality."

She added the government are currently holding a public consultation before the franchise comes up for renewal.

Lianna added: "I'd urge everyone to respond to the consultation and tell the government that the next franchise must keep fares cheap."

A spokesman for Southeastern said: "We understand no one likes to see fares increase but sometimes it is necessary to adjust our prices.

"On this occasion it means that from Sunday, May 21, some of our unregulated fares will rise by 3.4% or 10pm whichever is greater.

"We keep fare increases to a minimum and have frozen some fares for the past three years, including advanced fares which still remain at January 2016 prices and can now be purchased at ticket offices, making our cheapest fares more widely available.

"We know value for money is a priority for our passengers and that is why we still offer a full range of discounted fares, including GroupSave - where four adults can save 34% - and our 'Kids For A Quid' offer.

"Plus buying in advance at a ticket office or online is still the best way to get the cheapest tickets, and season ticket holders can also use our new smart card The Key."

To respond to the consultation visit www.bettertransport.org.uk/south-eastern.