FARE dodgers travelling on the Metrolink line will be rumbled far sooner thanks to a new system.

Inspectors have been issued with a hi-tech hand-held machine that will enable them to check out vital information about passengers if they are believed to be travelling without a valid ticket.

Previously if a passenger was suspected of travelling illegally an inspector would have to contact customer services operators with the name and address of the person.

The whole process took time, especially if the passenger gave a false name and address, and the Metrolink purse was being hit hard by fare evasion.

Now the new system means on-the-spot results as a passenger's details can be checked out in just three seconds.

And Metrolink are hailing the computerised device as a success.

Mike Mabey, revenue recover manager for Serco Metrolink, said: "A great deal of thought has gone into this new system and it has been an instant success. Because the system is so quick we can check people's tickets to make sure Metrolink's revenue is protected."

Mr Mabey said those passengers who believed they could cheat the system by giving false names and addresses were being stopped in their tracks by the new technology.

He added: "The new system will help us maintain the walk on, walk off culture of the tram service and also protect those passengers who regularly buy tickets to travel."

Passengers caught without a valid ticket are asked to pay the standard fare or face being escorted off the tram.

They have 21 days to pay the fare or face prosecution and repeat offenders will also be prosecuted by Metrolink.

Metrolink is currently recruiting inspectors, for more details contact 0161 205 8665.