Fare dodgers on commuter services to and from London will be punished by an innovative football-style red and yellow card system.

Train operator Connex will scrap its current method of issuing £10 on-the-spot fines in a bid to claw back the £30m it loses every year.

The company says 9,000 passengers a day try to avoid buying a ticket and admits the present penalty system does not work.

From January 1, 2002, inspectors will issue a "yellow card" warning, which will carry an administration fee, and the offender's details will be taken.

A second offence will result in an immediate court summons, which could mean a fine of up to £1,000 or three months in prison.

Connex spokesman Dave Ewart told the News Shopper: "We are aware people try to dodge the system by just paying £10 when they are caught but this will put a stop to that.

"I'm not aware of any other rail operator which is doing this. We want to drive home the message that you need a valid ticket for your journey.

"As it stands at the moment we can prosecute straight away if we feel it is necessary and this will not change."