PLANS to install Oyster pay-as-you-go facilities on some of Haringey's overground trains have been put on hold.

Train operator First Capital Connect had previously said customers would be able to "touch in" with their electronic cards at the stations from September.

But this has now been delayed until January 2010.

Commuters who use Alexandra Palace and Hornsey stations will have to continue using season tickets or buy single fares.

Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone who has been campaigning on the issue said she was disappointed.

Ms Featherstone said: "I can’t believe residents will have to wait at least another eight months to use their Oyster cards.

"It's broken promise after broken promise. I think residents deserve an apology for yet another wait."

Mayor of London and and Transport for London chairman Boris Johnson had pledged to ensure that London overground trains would be updated as soon as possible.

Ms Featherstone has now written to both Transport for London and First Capital Connect demanding an explanation and an apology for her consituents.

A spokesman for First Capital Connect said: "Like all London train operators, we are still in discussions with TfL and the Department for Transport and hope to implement pay-as-you-go as quickly as possible.

"We would expect to complete the implementation by January 2010."

He said further equipment testing and system updating was underway.

A TfL spokesman said: "The Mayor and TfL are working with every train operating company in London to adopt Oyster pay-as-you-go across their services.

"TfL is investing £40m to install or upgrade equipment at rail stations across London, so passengers can benefit from the speed and convenience of Oyster."

The spokesman added that pay-as-you-go Oyster facilities would be available on all overground services by the end of this year.