Rail users say exceptions to rules that allow some peak-time use of railcards are confusing

The train operator Northern has been criticised for prosecuting young people, leaving some facing bills of hundreds of pounds, after they have used their railcards to save just a few pounds on morning journeys.

Restrictions on a 16-25 railcard, which can also be bought by full-time students, mean that discounts can only be applied to an “anytime” ticket before 10am if the fare is £12 or more, requiring cardholders to pay full fare for cheaper tickets.