COLCHESTER MP Will Quince has called for Government action on train companies which set penalty charge targets for their ticket-checking staff.

The Conservative MP was speaking during transport questions in the House of Commons on Thursday.

In a direct question to transport minister Paul Maynard MP, he said: "Train operating companies should not be putting their staff under undue pressure to issue penalty fares and will he [Mr Maynard] commit to a policy which will ensure that discretion has to be an option where appropriate?".

Mr Maynard responded, saying staff should use "proportionality" and "discretion" where appropriate.

The Blackpool North MP also offered to meet with Mr Quince to discuss the matter further."

Mr Quince's question came after bosses at Greater Anglia, which runs the line from north Essex to London, admitted they had an "expectation" of ticket inspectors issuing three fines each day.