The next step in the campaign to re-zone Kingston and Surbiton stations which could save commuters hundreds of pounds, has been achieved says one of the town's MPs.

This week Boris Johnson, who backed the campaign before he became Mayor of London, announced he would not mind stumping up the cash for the lost revenue if the re-zoning goes ahead.

But he emphasised the fact that he had no formal powers to push South West Trains to make the first move and urged the public to continue to pressure the train company.

Commenting on the announcement, Lib Dem MP Edward Davey said: "This is excellent news for us and we’re delighted about this.

“It’s a step for us and what we have been trying to achieve for a long time.

“The people who have some power on this are both Transport for London (TfL) and South West Trains. He [Boris Johnson] does have some real influence on this.”

Mr Davey will now meet with TfL to discuss the next steps but he warned the news had come too late to head off the potential rise in season ticket fares expected in January 2009.

• For more information on transport and travel in your area click here.