Boris Johnson has said the inability to use Oyster cards in Epsom, because it is not in a London zone, is a “serious point” which Transport for London “are looking at”.

During a visit to the Epsom Guardian's offices this afternoon, the Mayor of London was asked about this newspaper’s Zone 6 for Epsom campaign.

The campaign aims to have Epsom station included in the London travel network, meaning commuters through the town could take advantage of discounted fares using Oyster cards.

In a classically comical response, Mr Johnson said: “You want Epsom to become part of London? Shall we engulf Epsom? What about the whole of Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire?”

He then added: “It’s a serious point.

“It’s absolutely crazy for instance when you arrive at say Luton, a major London airport, you cannot use your Oyster card.

“You can’t use it at Stanstead, you can’t use it at Gatwick.

“It’s just crazy so we are looking at it.”

While he stopped short of endorsing Zone 6 for Epsom, he hinted that it may be on the horizon in the near future.

Mr Johnson added: “I’m going to be very careful because my colleagues get very nervous if I have territorial ambitions, but good luck.

“There would have to be some sort of deal we did.”

When asked whether this “deal” would have to be struck between the train operating companies, and involve monetary discussions, he replied: “Yes.”

In May, MP Chris Grayling said train companies Southern and South West Trains are working together to consider the practicalities of getting Epsom into Zone 6, but that the cost to the train operators, as a result of the change, is still an issue.