Rail commuters could face massive fare increases if proposals to abolish the price cap on season tickets are given the go-ahead.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), will decide in the next few weeks whether to scrap restrictions on keeping ticket prices linked to inflation.

A study by rail consultant AEA Technology concludes fares must rise by three per cent above inflation every year for 20 years to prevent a serious increase in overcrowding in the south east.

An SRA spokesman said: "We are looking at various options, one of which is fare increases."

The fares are expected to come into force in January.