Fines for fare dodgers on trains are to be doubled to £20.

Transport Minister David Jamieson said: "At a time when government is investing huge amounts in the railways hundreds of millions of pounds are lost each year.

"It's obvious that the current penalty is not enough to deter persistent fare dodgers who repeatedly avoid payment in the belief they can easily afford the fine when they are caught.

"These proposals should help to reduce the number of fare dodgers and act as a more realistic deterrent for others."