LNER Fare Evasion Solicitors

Facing a fare evasion case from LNER can be an anxious time, particularly if there’s a potential for prosecution.

LNER operates long-distance services across the East Coast Main Line, connecting London King’s Cross to the North East, Yorkshire, and Scotland.

At Manak Solicitors, we’ve helped a wealth of clients navigate the challenges that come with fare evasion cases on these services, providing expert guidance and representation every step of the way.

Get in touch today to find out how we can assist you with your LNER fare evasion matter.

Why choose Manak Solicitors as your LNER Fare Evasion Solicitor?

As a dedicated team of fare evasion solicitors, we have a proven track record of facilitating positive outcomes for clients facing fare evasion charges on the LNER network.

Led by leading fare evasion solicitor Samir Moftah, our team considers the unique circumstances of your case along with the rules and regulations of LNER, devising an approach that gives you the best possible chance of a favourable outcome.

Over the years, we’ve helped people from a variety of professional backgrounds negotiate out-of-court settlements, avoiding potentially damaging prosecution cases.

Whether you’re dealing with an Unpaid Fare Notice or seeking an out-of-court resolution in the face of a potential prosecution, we have the knowledge and experience to help.

The Process

LNER has several ways of dealing with passengers who are found to be travelling without a valid ticket, depending on the circumstances of the journey.

Unlike many operators, LNER does not operate a Penalty Fare scheme. If you are found to be travelling without a valid ticket, you may be required to purchase one at the full Standard or First Class single rate without a Railcard discount.

Those found to be travelling with an invalid ticket may be required to purchase a new ticket or pay an excess fare to make up the price difference between the correct ticket and the one they purchased.

If you are unable to purchase the ticket or pay an excess fare, the member of staff may issue you with an Unpaid Fare Notice (UFN).

Unlike a Penalty Fare, an Unpaid Fare Notice is not a fine or penalty. It simply requires you to pay the initial fare requested for your journey and must be paid within 28 days to avoid further costs. LNER also has a process for appealing Unpaid Fare Notices if you feel it has been issued incorrectly.

Where LNER suspects deliberate fare evasion, or has uncovered persistent instances of evasion, the issue can become more serious. The operator states that it may pursue criminal proceedings in instances where it believes fare evasion deliberately took place.

Depending on the nature of the incident, a prosecution could be brought under the Railway Byelaws or the Regulation of Railways Act 1889.

If the case proceeds to the Magistrates’ Court and results in a conviction, you could face a fine and other court-related costs. In the worst-case scenario, a conviction may also result in a criminal record, which could negatively impact your career, professional standing, or personal life.

However, a fare evasion investigation does not always end up in legal proceedings. Depending on circumstances, LNER may be open to resolving the matter through payment of outstanding fares and associated investigation costs rather than through prosecution.

Strong legal representation can help negotiate this process and reduce the chances of the matter escalating to court.

At Manak Solicitors, we can evaluate your case and take ownership of the communications with LNER. We aim to intervene as early as possible, putting your case forward to the operator and exploring every available avenue to resolve the dispute without court proceedings.

An example of a letter sent from LNER Fraud Department

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How We’ve Helped Clients Facing LNER Prosecution

Significant Short-Faring → Case Withdrawn Entirely

Our client was investigated by LNER following a significant pattern of repeated short-faring across multiple journeys. We submitted detailed representations addressing their full acceptance of responsibility, genuine remorse and personal circumstances. LNER agreed to withdraw the matter entirely, with no settlement payment required, no prosecution and no criminal conviction.

Another Person’s FIP Pass → Fraud Act Prosecution Avoided

Our client was investigated by LNER after using another person’s FIP pass over a period of approximately two years, with LNER warning that the conduct could constitute an offence under the Fraud Act 2006. We submitted detailed representations and successfully secured an out-of-court settlement. No prosecution was brought, no criminal conviction was recorded and no court appearance was required.

Travel Without Valid Tickets → Costs Waived & Career Protected

Our client, a project manager whose role required a satisfactory DBS check, was investigated by LNER following multiple journeys without valid tickets. We submitted detailed representations and successfully negotiated an out-of-court settlement. LNER calculated the outstanding fares at the more favourable season ticket rate and waived its investigation costs entirely. No prosecution or criminal conviction followed, protecting our client’s career.

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