PENALTY fare charges will be increased for West Midlands Rail users next year.

West Midlands Rail has confirmed that penalty charge notices in England are changing on January 23 2023.

Charges for travelling without a valid ticket from this date will be increasing to £100, plus the price of the full single fare applicable to your intended journey served by that train.

If paid before the end of the period of 21 days, beginning with the day following the day on which the penalty fare is issued, then this is reduced to £50, plus the price of the full single fare applicable.

To travel with West Midlands Rail, you need a valid train ticket for your entire journey before you board, otherwise, you may need to pay a penalty fare.

READ MORE: Sidbury water leak lane closure to be removed on Wednesday

On the West Midlands Rail website, a statement reads: "By evading fares, it is not only unfair on paying customers, but it also stops funds being invested in improving the railway network, passenger journeys, and the service we provide.

"To help eliminate fare evasion, we, and other rail operators, have a penalty fare scheme in place, which means you could pay a penalty if you travel without a valid ticket, can’t show an appropriate Railcard for a discounted ticket, travel in First Class with a Standard Class ticket, travelling on a child ticket if you are 16 or over and travelling beyond the destination on your ticket."

Until 23 January 2023, the amount of the Penalty Fare is £20 or twice the full single fare applicable, plus the single fare applicable to your destination station if you continue your journey.

READ MORE: Temporary lights on Cranham Road in Warndon stuck on red

If you receive a Penalty Fare, you have the option to pay the penalty fare on the spot, pay online, send the payment by post or pay over the phone.

If you wish to appeal against the Penalty Fare you must do so within 21 days from the day following the date of issue.

Appeals must be in writing or online and cannot be made by telephone. 

For more information on penalty fare charges and the appeals process, visit here