Residents are paying "over the odds" for their daily commute and fares should be frozen, according to Fife Council deputy leader Lesley Laird.

The local authority has raised concerns about significant discrepancies in rail fares, citing ticket prices for journeys from Leuchars, Markinch and Kirkcaldy, which are higher per mile than other parts of the country.

Following meetings with rail operators, Ms Laird has called for a "more equitable and fair pricing system".

Fares from Leuchars to Edinburgh, a 51-mile journey, cost £24.70, which is £5.60 more than those travelling the 63 miles from Girvan to Glasgow.

After comparing anytime day return fares to Edinburgh, the council also found it was £8.30 cheaper to travel from Bridge of Allan than the similar distance from Cupar to the capital.

Edinburgh to Markinch costs £4.80 more than going farther to Stirling, while people travelling from Kirkcaldy pay £1.50 more than those coming from Camelon.

Ms Laird said: "The Kingdom's commuters need to get a fare deal from the rail provider.

"We now know there is a significant anomaly in journey pricing so we need to 'stop the clock' on Fife fares, and not continue to ask Fife commuters to continue to pay disproportionately more - otherwise it will make closing the gap even harder."

Environment and transport convener Pat Callaghan said: "The discrepancy in fares needs urgent attention.

"Now that everyone knows about the discrepancies, action must be taken. Fife Council is now calling for a review of rail fare setting policy, and a review of long standing inequality of fares in Fife."

"From discussions at the recent meetings, the council now understands that this is a long-standing issue and may take time to fully resolve, but is seeking a price freeze on Fife rail fares until the pricing irregularities are resolved.

"There was an opportunity to look at this when the rail contract was recently put out to tender, but it is unclear whether or not this aspect was fully examined at that time.

Ms Laird added: "An urgent review of rail pricing and a fare freeze is needed to help deliver Fife's economic and rail priorities.

"You cannot run a national rail service based on a 'postcode lottery' when it comes to ticket pricing. This needs to stop, and that's why I'm calling for urgent action."

A spokesperson for ScotRail Alliance said: "Rail fare increases are determined by the Scottish Government. We met with Fife Council and had a constructive exchange of ideas."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We are committed to reducing reliance on cars and encouraging more people to use the train, and take seriously the issue of fair and equitable rail fares.

"Through the current ScotRail franchise contract we have put an end to above-inflation increases to fares, making rail travel more accessible and attractive and resulting in real benefits to the public across the whole of the country."