Seven rail companies in the UK have agreed to allow passengers to buy advance tickets until as close as ten minutes before a journey starts.

Such tickets are often cheaper for travellers.

Following the lead taken by CrossCountry in January 2015 after a successful trial, seven more train companies have dropped the punitive restrictions.

Previously passengers could usually only buy the cut-price tickets up to midnight on the day before travel.

The Rail Delivery Group said customers travelling on Grand Central, Greater Anglia, Northern, TransPennine Express, Virgin Trains East Coast, and Virgin

Trains West Coast could now purchase the tickets until minutes before departure.

They are joined by those using the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Scotland.

The increased flexibility is the latest action to emerge following the fares and ticketing action plan set up last year by government.

“Not everyone can plan journeys in advance and now more people can buy cheaper tickets on the day, even on their way to the station,” said Jacqueline Starr, managing director of customer experience at the RDG.

“We want customers to get the best possible deal whenever they travel.”