The number of inspectors on the bus network is to increase

London mayor Ken Livingstone announced the rise on Tuesday which will bring London's fines into line with the planned national rail network increase.

More than �60m is lost each year from fare evasion on the Tube, London buses and the Docklands Light Railway.

Mr Livingstone said: "We are sending out a clear message that freeloading will not be tolerated."

About 90,000 fines are issued every year to people travelling without a ticket on the Tube and buses.

Fare increases

Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Lynne Featherstone welcomed the move but said more needed to be done.

"With just one in 600 people caught fare dodging and the increasing numbers of bendy buses, there may still be people who think that it will be even easier to fare dodge.

"The failure to tackle fare-dodging hits the pockets of law-abiding commuters who pay extra fare increases to make up for those who get something for nothing," she said.

The number of inspectors patrolling the bus and tram network is to rise to 290 this year and about 240 inspectors currently work on the Tube.

On the Croydon Tramlink, the fine is set to rise from �15 to �20 if paid within 21 days and from �25 to �30 if paid later.