A lecturer says it is “outrageous” that he has to fork out more than £250 a month to travel across London when neighbours can move around for free.

David Williams, who lives in Ripon Way, Borehamwood, was not happy to learn that people living in the borough of Barnet can claim an Oyster 60+ card but those living in on the other side of the border in Hertfordshire cannot.

The 62-year-old was told about the 60+ card by a colleague at Lambeth College and applied to get one but was told by Transport for London that he was not entitled to one.

He said: “I was delighted at the thought of free travel. I thought I was going to save myself £260 a month, but to my disbelief, I was told I was ineligible because I was in the wrong postcode.”

Mr Williams, who works as a gas and plumbing lecturer, says the scheme should extend to people living in Elstree & Borehamwood because the station is in zone six and commuters can use the Oyster card if travelling via the station.

He said that if free travel was not possible, there should be an incremental fare which makes fares cheaper.

He added: “I can’t be the only person in Borehamwood to know this. It is outrageous. It beggars belief how unfair it is I have to pay £260 a month when people up the road pay nothing. It’s incredible. I’m being punished for going to work. These are unfair fares.”

A 60+ London Oyster photocard allows people to travel free on public transport in London from the age of 60 until they qualify for a Freedom Pass. To be eligible for a 60+ London Oyster photocard, you must live in a London borough and be aged 60 or over.

A TfL spokesman said: “The concession fares offered by Transport for London are set by the Mayor of London, and as such relate to the geographical area covered by the London boroughs. As has been the case since the scheme launched in November 2012, residents who live within a London Borough can apply for the 60 Plus London Oyster card until they are eligible for a Freedom Pass.

“Those who live outside a London Borough are unfortunately not eligible for the card, but may be able to benefit from other discounts offered by their local train operating company, as well as the national railcard.”