New rules to clamp down on rail fare dodgers

PLANS to change the way faredodging rail passengers are punished have been outlined by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Ministers want to make the process simpler, following accusations that it is unfair and lacks consistency.

The proposals are in response to reports into the issue by independent watchdog Transport Focus (TF) which explained that, under current arrangements, train operators are “the victim, the investigators, the decisionmakers and the prosecutor”.

It described this as a “powerful position” and declared that “the whole system requires an overhaul”.

TF said the outlook for passengers mistakenly accused of fare dodging is “bleak”.

Rail minister Paul Maynard said: “Fare dodgers cost the railways £240m every year and this bill is picked up by honest passengers in the form of higher rail fares.

“Penalty fares are imposed to deter those seeking a free ride but mistakes do happen and where a passenger feels they have been unfairly treated, they need to be confident that there is a robust and independent process in place to deal with their appeal.”

The DfT has pledged to work with the rail industry to ensure passengers and staff understand how the penalty fares regime works, to avoid warnings about criminal sanctions being made inappropriately. Figures from five train companies showed more than 16,500 Unpaid Fare Notices in the year to the end of March 2013.