I have written to the Rail Minister, Clare Perry, making clear my support for Government proposals to fine train companies directly for late running services. Currently only tax payer funded Network Rail can be fined. The industry target is for 92.5 per cent of all trains to be on time by the end of March 2019.

At present, Govia Thameslink, that many of constituents rely on only manages 82 per cent. This is not good enough. This new penalty scheme will make rail companies more accountable for the services they deliver. It will make a real difference by creating real incentives for train companies to improve their performances. The sooner it is rolled out in Hertsmere the better.