NEW technology is on the cards for Huddersfield commuters in an effort to beat the train ticket cheats.

Northern, the new train operator which took over from Arriva in December, is aiming to cut credit card fraud by using card checking machines at barriers.

Under the new system, travellers buying a ticket with a card at the barriers rather than at the office will be asked to enter their PIN.

If a card is found to have been lost or stolen the machine will tell the member of staff who can then call the police.

Stephen Warner, of Northern, said credit card fraud costs businesses, including rail firms, millions of pounds every year.

He said: "Hopefully this will deter criminals from trying to buy train tickets illegally."

The new machines are being used in Manchester, Bolton and Blackpool and could be installed in Huddersfield later this year.