The number of rail journeys have risen by 70 per cent in a decade

The head of the RMT says services 'are at breaking point and frequently dangerously overcrowded'

Trains in Britain are filling faster than anywhere else in Europe and have reached a record level of overcrowding, according to new statistics.

The number of passenger journeys have risen by 70 per cent in a decade, including 4.2 per cent in the past year alone.

Mick Cash , the head of the RMT union said commuters are aware that services "are at breaking point and frequently dangerously overcrowded."

There were 1.65billion national rail journeys in 2014/2015, which constituted a 69.5 per cent increase since 2002/2003.

A spokesperson for the TSSA rail union said: "These record numbers must mean it is time to give something back to passengers – a fares freeze from next January."

A spokesperson for Transport Focus added: "Significant, sustained, long-term investment must continue to not only reduce overcrowding, but to ensure that it doesn’t get worse."

Claire Perry, Rail minister, insisted investment would meet the rising demand.

"We are also working with train operators to bring in more seats, more services and improved journeys across all regions," she said.

1.3billion journeys were recorded on the London Underground, making records for both networks.

Germany takes 2.6billion rail trips a year, making the country the highest in Europe, but Britain has the fastest growth rate in the EU.