MANY rail passengers in Kent may have to pay a congestion-style charge to travel to and from work under new plans by train companies to prevent overcrowding on the busiest routes.

The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) has unveiled plans for "peak rail pricing", which could result in passengers paying a premium to use the most popular services.

David Bower, of Tonbridge Line Commuters, said: "I think that it’s ridiculous to expect people who already pay a huge amount to use the trains at peak times to pay an additional charge.

"Most people who use the trains to get to work have to use the service at peak times and so will have no choice but to pay the extra money.

"It’s just another way for the rail companies to raise revenue. I hope people realise that it’s a big con."

Train companies would be able to charge different prices for each train, rather than the current system of charging one rate for the entire peak, with the use of electronic smart cards.

Services from West Kent to Charing Cross and Cannon Street are among those likely to be affected.

A spokesman from ATOC said: "With road pricing being rolled out over the next few years the railways will need their own equivalent rail peak pricing.

"One effect of this will be to make the provision of additional peak capacity on the railway more economically viable."

The Rail Passengers Council has condemned the plan saying that people should not be priced off the trains.

Mark Woodbridge, regional director for the Rail Passengers Council, southern England, said: "We would oppose any move to put up fares to control the growth of passenger numbers.

"People have also got to be mindful of the environmental benefits of using trains instead of cars."