by Hayley Robinson

Commuters have voiced their objections over proposed increases in rail fares.

More than 200 people signed a petition when representatives of the national campaign Fair Fares Now, stood outside Sittingbourne railway station.

The petition calls on the government, which is reviewing the whole rail fare structure, not to allow prices to rise by 28 per cent over the next three years.

The increase would see the cost of an annual season ticket from Sittingbourne to London rise by £352.19 to £4,700.19.

Campaign for Better Transport, which is behind Fair Fares Now, argues that expensive train prices are not only a rotten deal for passengers, who are forced to pay more each year, but harmful to the environment as more people chose to travel by road instead of rail.

It could also be bad for business as high fares could price people out of jobs in London.

Ashley Wise, of Shortlands Road, Sittingbourne, is supporting the campaign.

The 19-year-old student, who is also a youth officer for the Sittingbourne and Sheppey Labour group, said: "I go to the

University of Kent in Canterbury, where I study history and politics, and travel by train up to four days a week.

"I have a student rail card which gives me a third off the price if I travel after 10am but like most people I have to be in university between 9am and 10am so it’s of no use.

"I feel that at a time when people’s funds are already being squeezed and there’s a great push for people to find work and use more environmentally-friendly methods of transport, it makes no sense to put fares up.

"It’s going to affect so many people, especially those living in Sittingbourne which is a growing area."

n For more information about the campaign, visit the website www.fairfaresnow.org.uk