The increase could come into force around the turn of the year, if agreed. Britain's rail industry looses an estimated £210m a year from fare evasion.

Publishing a consultation paper on the Penalty Fares Regime, Transport Minister David Jamieson said:

"At a time when Government is investing huge amounts of money into the railways it's estimated that hundreds of millions of pounds are lost to the industry each year through fare evasion.

"It's obvious that the current penalty of £10 is not enough to deter the persistent fare dodgers who repeatedly avoid payment in the belief that they can easily afford the fine when they are caught."

The consultation will last for 12 weeks