Rail fares in England will rise by up to 4.9% in March, the Department for Transport has announced.

Usually, these hikes take place in January.

Fares are normally increased based on July's retail price index measure of inflation which was 9%.

A spokesperson from London TravelWatch said: "These new rail fares will see already hard-pressed passengers hit with another unwelcome price hike.

"Reform to rail fares and ticketing could not be more urgent now. Government needs to set out an alternative vision that makes public transport appealing - this includes affordable fares, rolling out contactless payment options, and improving train service punctuality so passengers are getting real value-for-money.