Chiltern Railways Fare Evasion Solicitors

Dealing with a fare evasion case from Chiltern Railways can be a daunting prospect, particularly when you’re unsure what action the operator may take next.

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Chiltern Railways provides services connecting London Marylebone to Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, while also serving Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire.

At Manak Solicitors, we have a wealth of experience helping clients navigate the challenges of fare evasion matters involving Chiltern Railways, with our experienced team on hand to provide advice and representation throughout the process.

From appealing Penalty Fares to negotiating out-of-court settlements, our fare evasion solicitors have a long track record of achieving positive outcomes in cases that seemed destined for prosecution.

Why choose Manak Solicitors as your Chiltern Railways Fare Evasion Solicitor?

As an experienced team of fare evasion solicitors, we understand the stress and anxiety that can occur when faced with a fare evasion case. This can be particularly true when there is a threat of prosecution, which can lead to uncertainty around your finances, career, and, in some cases, the possibility of a criminal conviction.

With certain operators having their own specific rules and regulations, a case-by-case approach is essential when dealing with fare evasion.

At Manak Solicitors, we consider the unique circumstances of each case, alongside the rules and procedures followed by Chiltern Railways, to develop a legal strategy designed to get favourable results from unfavourable situations.

The Process

1. Contact us as early as possible

You do not need to wait for Chiltern Railways’ Revenue Protection department to contact you before speaking to us. If you have been stopped, questioned about your ticket or told that you are being reported, contact us as early as possible. Where appropriate, we can proactively approach Chiltern Railways on your behalf before you receive formal correspondence.

This gives us more time to understand what happened, review anything you said when you were stopped and begin gathering supporting mitigation. Evidence such as letters from doctors, employers or other professionals can take longer to obtain than the deadline you may eventually be given to respond.

Our solicitors have dealt with train company prosecutors for many years and can communicate directly with them on your behalf. Early intervention may allow us to make representations and seek an out-of-court resolution before the matter progresses further.

2. You may be reported to Chiltern Railways’ Revenue Protection department

If you are stopped without a valid ticket, what happens next will depend on the circumstances. You could be charged the full fare, issued with a Penalty Fare or Unpaid Fare Notice, or reported to Chiltern Railways’ Revenue Protection department. Chiltern confirms that where a passenger is reported, its Revenue Protection department will review the case individually and write to the passenger explaining what happens next.

Being reported does not automatically mean that you will be prosecuted. However, it is important to get advice before responding so that we can understand the allegation and advise you on the best way to approach the investigation.

3. You may be interviewed under caution

Chiltern Railways specifically states that being reported to its Revenue Protection department could result in you being interviewed under caution. An Interview Under Caution is a formal interview and should be taken seriously. You should seek legal advice before answering questions or attending an interview. Depending on when you instruct us and the circumstances of your case, we may be able to approach Chiltern directly, make representations and seek to resolve the matter without you needing to attend an interview.

An example of a letter sent from a railway operator inviting the suspect for an Interview Under Caution

An example of an Interview Under Caution invitation issued by a UK train operator.

4. We review the allegation and prepare your representations

Before responding to Chiltern, we will review what happened when you were stopped, the ticket or Railcard involved, any previous journeys being questioned and the correspondence you have received. We can then prepare representations explaining the circumstances of the case, addressing the allegation and providing relevant mitigation and supporting evidence.

Chiltern says that every case is considered individually and that relevant mitigating factors are taken into account when deciding how a case should be resolved. This makes the pre-prosecution stage an important opportunity to put forward your circumstances clearly and comprehensively.

5. We seek an out-of-court settlement where appropriate

Chiltern Railways’ published policy specifically states that it will generally try to settle fare evasion cases without taking passengers to court. An out-of-court settlement will typically require payment towards the fares avoided and Chiltern’s costs. However, Chiltern considers every case individually and there are circumstances where it may proceed directly to prosecution. Where appropriate, we can communicate and negotiate with Chiltern on your behalf, present your mitigation and seek to secure an out-of-court settlement before prosecution begins.

Although a settlement can never be guaranteed, instructing us early gives us more opportunity to intervene before Chiltern makes its final decision.

6. If Chiltern Railways decides to prosecute

If Chiltern Railways does decide to prosecute, you will be sent a court summons setting out details of the hearing, the evidence Chiltern Railways intends to rely on, and forms allowing you to enter your plea. Prosecutions may be brought under legislation including the Railway Byelaws 2005 or the Regulation of Railways Act 1889.

A successful prosecution can result in a criminal conviction and financial penalties. Chiltern Railways states that fare evasion charges under the Railway Byelaws 2005 can result in fines of up to £1,000, while charges under the Regulation of Railways Act 1889 can carry a fine of up to £1,000 or, in more serious cases, up to three months imprisonment.

At Manak Solicitors, we can assess the circumstances around your case and advise you on the best options available. Where an out-of-court settlement is possible, we can negotiate on your behalf with the aim of avoiding prosecution. If your case does go to court, we can also provide legal advice and representation throughout the process.

An example of a Notice of Intended Prosecution from Chiltern Railways

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How We’ve Helped Clients Facing Chiltern Railways

Multiple Short-Faring Journeys → No Prosecution

Our client received a Notice of Intention to Prosecute from Chiltern Railways after repeatedly purchasing tickets that covered only part of the journey actually travelled. We submitted a detailed schedule of the journeys, full admissions and representations on their behalf, successfully securing an out-of-court settlement. No prosecution was brought and no criminal conviction was recorded.

Expired Railcard + SJPN → Prosecution Withdrawn

Our client, an architect, had already received a Single Justice Procedure Notice after using an expired railcard across multiple journeys with Chiltern Railways. We submitted detailed representations and successfully negotiated an out-of-court settlement, leading Chiltern Railways to withdraw the prosecution. No conviction was recorded, protecting our client’s professional standing and career.

17 Journeys Without Valid Tickets → Career Protected

Our client, who worked in a role requiring an enhanced DBS check, received a Notice of Intention to Prosecute from Chiltern Railways after travelling without a valid ticket on 17 occasions. We submitted detailed representations and successfully secured an out-of-court settlement. No prosecution was brought and no criminal conviction was recorded, protecting our client’s career and professional standing.

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