Southern is to issue cards to people who need to use priority seats on its trains.

The train company hopes that commuters sitting in seats with a sign indicating they are for disabled and elderly people, people with small children or other medical needs will relinquish their seats if shown the special card.

Southern runs the Epsom to Victoria line and many other commuter lines into London.

A spokesman said: “From now on, passengers may be asked by a cardholder to give up their seat. "The person making the request using the card will have a genuine need, and it is very much hoped that passengers will respond positively to the scheme.”

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