Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden has met with rail chiefs to discuss the re-zoning of Bushey train station in an attempt to reduce ticket prices.

During peak hours the price of a daily return ticket to London Euston from Bushey, which is currently in zone eight, is £16.80.

From Hatch End, only two stops away in zone six, the price of the same ticket is £12 and from Harrow and Wealdstone in zone five, this is £11.60.

Though London Midland run the train service that serves Bushey station, it is managed by London Overground and the fares from the tickets go to Transport for London.

London Midland’s current franchise expires in October 2017 and the Department for Transport is currently running a consultation before the tendering process begins.

Mr Dowden said: “I know that the cost of train travel is a big issue for many Bushey residents and campaigning for more affordable train travel is one of my top priorities.

“I thought it was important to meet with London Midland representatives face to face to make the case.

“Re-zoning a train station is a complex and often a time consuming process and I am determined to keep making the case.

“It is not right that so many Bushey residents feel like they have no choice but to commute into London from other nearby stations due to the cost. They should be able to use their own local station.”

The Department for Transport are currently running a consultation before the tendering process for the franchise post October 2017.

Following his discussions with London Midland, Mr Dowden will be making a formal submission to the consultation calling for Bushey station to be reassigned from zone eight to zone six.

To take part in the consultation please visit here.