Nottingham fare evasion crackdown sees 45% month-on-month increase in penalties
campaign launched by Nottingham Express Transit (NET) on fare evasion at the end of last year ( Railways Illustrated issue 252) has seen a 45% monthon-month increase in the number of Penalty Fare Notices (PFN) issued by the tramway operator.
As with the second-generation tram systems in Manchester and Edinburgh, NET operates a ‘buy before you board’ policy, with tickets having to be purchased at vending machines on tram stops, or passengers must be in possession of a pre-purchased season ticket, validated pass, or have tapped in a payment card at the on-stop scanners prior to boarding. Throughout 2023, NET issued a total of 7682 PFNS and prosecuted 2580 passengers who failed to pay the PFN issued to them. During the first month of the zero-tolerance campaign in December – which NET said will remain in force throughout the rest of 2024 – more than 1120 PFNS were issued by NET revenue staff, operating both in uniform and plain clothes.
NET service delivery and safety director Sarah Turner said: “Since December last year, we have taken a ‘no excuses’ approach to handing out Penalty Fare Notices, reinforcing the message that fare evasion is theft. This resulted in 1127 notices being issued, which is nearly 50% more than the previous month. Verbal warnings have also drastically reduced, highlighting the consistency of this campaign on the network.
“These recent figures highlight our commitment towards ensuring Nottingham’s trams remain a safe and reliable mode of transport for all, but this isn’t to be seen as the campaign ‘wrapping up’. NET’S zero-tolerance policy towards fare evasion remains part of our day-today operations and we will continue to draw upon our connections with the local police force to ensure there’s an increased presence on the ground, supporting this campaign while also helping to keep the public safe.
“Of course, our ultimate goal isn’t to increase the number of Penalty Fare Notices we issue in 2024, but to reduce the misuse of our trams and challenge perceptions of fare evasion – this percentage increase shown during the first month is testament to the attitude that people can now expect from our staff, reiterating this message.”