A TRAIN company is to crack down on people using its car parks without paying.

Arriva Trains Northern said spaces at the car parks attached to some of its stations in the region are being taken by people who fail to buy a ticket.

In some cases, those leaving their cars are not even rail passengers, said the company.

Signs are now being put up to alert motorists to the charges and a £30 penalty if they do not pay and display.

A £50 penalty is also being introduced for able-bodied motorists taking up spaces for disabled people.

Phil Cook, of Arriva's prosecutions unit, said fare dodging motorists faced court action if they subsequently refused to pay the penalty and could be fined up to £1,000.

He said: "It is essential we take action so that our customers are able to use our car parks."