Fare evasion allegations are no joke. While they may not always be considered a particularly serious matter, they can have damaging consequences for your finances, career, and reputation. In some cases, they can even lead to a criminal conviction. For those dealing with a fare evasion case, the threat of these consequences can cause many sleepless nights.
If you’re dealing with an allegation that carries the risk of prosecution, it’s essential that you arm yourself with the right support and information early in the process.
We deal with an array of Southeastern fare evasion cases, including:
- Purchasing tickets shorter than your journey.
- Purchasing tickets for only the start and end of a journey, without a ticket covering the middle part of the journey.
- Using a ticket with a railcard discount when you do not hold a railcard.
- Travelling with no ticket at all.
- Repeat offences.
Our approach combines extensive knowledge and experience of the general fare evasion legal process with an understanding of the specific rules and procedures followed by Southeastern Railway. We adapt our approach to reflect the policies of the operator and the circumstances of your case, helping us consistently deliver favourable outcomes for our clients.
Led by fare evasion specialist Samir Moftah, our team has extensive experience dealing with Southeastern Railway cases and representing clients where a conviction could have significant personal or professional consequences. This includes professionals working in law, medicine, finance, and the Civil Service, as well as foreign students concerned about the potential impact a conviction could have on immigration or citizenship matters.
Southeastern Railway works in a very particular way when dealing with fare evasion, with several possible courses of action when a passenger is found travelling without a valid ticket.
Southeastern operates a Penalty Fare scheme across all of its services and stations. Depending on the circumstances and the powers available to the member of staff dealing with the matter, you may:
- Be required to pay the appropriate fare for your journey.
- Receive a Penalty Fare.
- Receive an Unpaid Fares Notice.
- Be reported for an offence that could lead to prosecution.
A Penalty Fare is typically £100 plus the full cost of a single ticket for the journey in question. However, those who pay within 21 days will have the penalty reduced to £50 plus the journey cost.
Southeastern Railway privately prosecutes offences reported by its staff. If you are reported, you should receive a letter notifying you of what you need to do next and who to contact about the matter.
Being reported doesn’t always mean your case will end up in court. In some cases, Southeastern will consider out-of-court settlements for fare evasion cases, and there will be an opportunity to provide evidence and mitigating factors that could prevent your case from reaching court.
If Southeastern decides to pursue prosecution, your case may proceed to the Magistrates’ Court. Depending on the circumstances, you could be prosecuted under the Railway Byelaws or the Regulation of Railways Act 1889. A conviction can result in a criminal record and a fine of up to £1,000, alongside any other costs imposed by the court.
At Manak Solicitors, we can assess the circumstances of your case and communicate with Southeastern on your behalf where necessary. While our first priority is to negotiate an out-of-court settlement where possible, we also ensure you have the advice, information, and representation required should your case go to court.
