Transport Secretary announces review into fare evasion practices after 'egregious' prosecutions

A review into the way train companies tackle suspected fare evasion has been announced by the Transport Secretary, following a series of “egregious” prosecutions.

Louise Haigh told the Transport Committee she had commissioned the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to look into ticket enforcements across the network.

It comes after a series of prosecutions, particularly by DfT-controlled Northern, were highlighted, with a number of young adults taken to court over railcard errors that led to fare discrepancies of just a few pounds.

Speaking to the committee, Haigh said: “We have seen egregious examples of fare prosecutions and whilst fare evasion is totally unacceptable, and we continue to pursue it, we need to be clear that where people have made genuine mistakes they shouldn’t be prosecuted.”

The independent review will include examining how clear terms and conditions are for passengers and how they are communicated, as well as considering when prosecutions are appropriate. Several prosecutions by Northern involved people who had used a 16-25 or 26-30 railcard on any Anytime ticket before 10am, when fares need to cost a minimum of £12 for the railcard to be applicable.

Haigh also said: “It is clear that ticketing is far too complicated, with a labyrinth of different fares and prices which can be confusing for passengers. That’s why we have committed to the biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation, including simplifying fares to make travelling by train easier.”

Stephanie Tobyn, ORR Director of Strategy, Policy and Reform, welcomed the review.

“It is important passengers are treated fairly and dealt with consistently and proportionately when ticketing issues arise, whilst also balancing the legitimate revenue protection interests of operators and taxpayers,” she said.

Officials at the DfT and ORR will work to finalise the scope, timings and terms of reference.