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Do Not Risk a Criminal Record
Fare evasion is often dismissed as a trivial matter with no implications for those facing prosecution. This is not the case. If you plead guilty, or are found guilty before the court, you may receive a criminal conviction, which can adversely impact your career, particularly for regulated professionals.
How Our Fare Evasion Solicitors Can Help You
Our experienced criminal defence team has successfully challenged numerous fare evasion prosecutions. We offer a comprehensive fixed-fee service that includes:
If you are facing a prosecution for fare evasion, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
TFL and Train Company Prosecution Policy
Transport For London (TfL) Great Anglia, Great Western Railway, Chiltern Railways, Southeastern, Southwestern, Thameslink and other major train operators are increasingly upholding prosecutions against those who fare evade. TfL have adopted a quite unforgiving policy, which they apply with tenacity. Although dealt with on a case-by-case basis, prosecutions are often pursued in respect of the following enforceable offences:
Challenging Fare Evasion Prosecutions
Often, those who are invited by way of initial correspondence from TfL, or another train company, to respond to an allegation of fare evasion, find that their explanation is dismissed or ignored, with the prosecution being upheld. Many individuals only receive a court summons or Single Justice Procedure Notice (“SJPN”) with no initial correspondence.
It is the prosecution team acting on behalf of each train company that decides whether a prosecution for fare evasion should continue. The relevant train company will take many factors into consideration when deciding to prosecute and have the ability to review relevant travel history, in order to identify other inconsistencies which might strengthen their position.
Challenging a fare evasion prosecution requires a strategic and informed approach. We recognise that every case is unique and will assess it based on the specific facts and circumstances. We will prepare persuasive written legal representations, supported by evidence, to the prosecuting authority, to persuade them to discontinue the prosecution and/or offer an alternative out of court disposal.
Why Choose Us?
Contact Our Fare Evasion Specialists Today
We understand that the implications of being convicted of fare evasion are serious and you will feel overwhelmed by the process. Our help is tailored to your needs so that you are supported throughout, so don't hesitate to contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fare Evasion
What are the penalties for fare evasion?
Fare evasion can result in a criminal conviction along with financial penalty and court costs. A criminal record can have serious implications for an individual such as impacting upon their current/future employment, particularly those in regulated professions.
I did not intend to avoid paying a fare, why am I still being reported for fare evasion?
Fare evasion is a strict liability offence and under Railway Byelaws, the Prosecution only have to prove that you travelled or boarded a train without a valid ticket. They do not need to prove intent.
I thought I would just have to pay a financial penalty?
If an inspector for the relevant train company suspects that an offence has been committed, they will gather as much information as possible. They may caution you and ask questions to establish circumstances of the fare evasion. They will usually write up a statement and report the matter to the railway company, where a decision will be made on how to proceed. If you have been stopped previously and given a penalty fare, it is more likely that they will report you for fare evasion.
How quickly should I contact a solicitor?
Contact our fare evasion specialists immediately if you have been reported for a fare evasion, or upon receiving initial correspondence from the relevant train company. Timely intervention significantly improves our ability to build a robust case to challenge a prosecution.
If you are facing a prosecution for fare evasion, please do not hesitate to contact us
Transport for London v RP Successfully represented an NHS optometrist who had used a freedom pass to which she was not entitled. Following representations regarding our client's career prospects and acute anxiety, TfL agreed to resolve the matter with a formal warning. RP may have faced potential employment disciplinary action, which could have resulted in the loss of her job should she have received a conviction.
Transport for London v SR Successfully represented a young law student, who had been accused of fraudulently using a TfL staff nominee card, to obtain reduced travel fares to which she was not entitled. Following successful written representations, a conviction was avoided and TfL agreed to a formal warning. A conviction could have led to SR being unable to secure employment in the legal profession.
Transport for London v LS Successfully represented a trainee accountant at a City firm for using his mother's freedom pass to travel on the underground. A formal warning was agreed with TfL. A conviction could have led to our client losing his job and being unable to pay his extensive student and accounting training debt.
Chiltern Railways v AN Successfully represented a chartered accountant, who faced fare evasion charges relating to improper use of a railcard over a five-year period. Following comprehensive written representations and extensive negotiations, an out-of-court financial settlement was reached with Chiltern Railways. A conviction could have led to him losing his employment.
South Western Railway v SM Successfully represented a young man with multiple cognitive disabilities, who faced charges for underpaying train fares and fraudulent use of a rail card, with alleged offences dating back to 2022. Through written legal representation and compelling evidence provided by healthcare professionals, South Western Railway agreed to resolve the matter through an out-of-court financial settlement.
Thameslink v BS Successfully represented a young masters student at a prestigious London university, who failed to pay the full fare for her journey due to her financial circumstances. An out-of-court financial settlement was agreed, following detailed representations regarding our client's personal circumstances.
Transport for London v PW Successfully represented a young journalist accused of using his father's freedom pass on multiple occasions. Following representations and supporting evidence regarding his ADHD and associated cognitive difficulties, TfL agreed to resolve the matter with a formal warning. A conviction could have impacted PW's ability to secure employment and to travel abroad.
Transport for London v GR Successfully represented a young graduate working in the hospitality sector, for inappropriately using a family member's staff nominee card, allowing for a reduced fare to which he was not entitled. A formal warning was agreed with TfL.
We accept instructions on a private basis. We also conduct work funded through the Legal Aid system, however we do not take on all publicly funded cases and not all lawyers in the firm are available for this work. Please contact us to discuss private case costs and eligibility for legal aid.
Telephone: 020 7734 9700