RAIL users are facing price hikes for train tickets from January next year, train companies have announced.

Fares regulated by the government will be raised by the majority of train firms by 4.3 per cent - one per cent above inflation.

Unregulated fares, which the train companies can set themselves, will be raised by between 3.2 per cent and 6.6 per cent.

One, which operates stations in Redbridge, will raise its unregulated fares to 5 per cent, which is among the highest rises in the country.

A One spokeswoman said money from the increase in ticket prices would be spent on improving trains and stations.

She added: "We are putting lots of CCTV cameras on trains and improving lighting at stations and making stations better places to visit."

Brian Cooke, chairman of passenger group London Travel Watch, said: "While we accept fares have to rise sometimes, any price rise above inflation is regrettable and will seem a lot to passengers in and around London who are increasingly faced with crowded platforms and trains."