Train companies running services in Shropshire could be fined in future if carriages are found to be overcrowded.

The Government move is detailed in a white paper it is hoped will get operators to provide extra carriages.

It comes after Shropshire MP Mark Pritchard dubbed an Arriva Trains Wales service running from Shrewsbury and Telford to Birmingham the “sardine express” after a woman fainted while on board.

Speaking today, The Wrekin MP backed the move, saying that it should ease overcrowding and make journeys safer and more comfortable.

“I fully support any effort by the Government to improve passenger comfort and safety, especially given the high cost of train fares,” said Mr Pritchard.

“I hope that fines will act as a deterrent and ensure train companies provide adequate rolling stock and comfort to passengers.

“They should also provide accessibility to disabled passengers and cyclists who board trains.”

Ministers had previously warned there was no incentive for rail operators to tackle overcrowding as packed trains result in more revenue for the rail companies.

But it is believed that by forcing train operators to pay for overcrowding it could lead to some improvement.

Mr Pritchard dubbed the Arriva Trains Wales Shrewsbury to Birmingham International commuter service the “sardine express” because of the overcrowding.

Last year he called for a limit on the number of passengers in carriages and warned that in an emergency overcrowding would slow down any evacuation of the train and could add to injuries or even passenger fatalities.

A spokesman for the Association of Train Operating Companies said: “Overcrowding is a big concern for train companies.

“As private sector operators their business relies on keeping their customers happy.

“Train companies want to be able to run more and longer services to deal with overcrowding but have too often been hindered by prescriptive franchise agreements that limit their ability to respond quickly to what passengers want.

“The Government’s changes to franchising policy are a positive step that should allow operators to respond to issues such as overcrowding more quickly and flexibly.”

By Jason Lavan