Transport for Wales Fare Evasion Solicitors

Dealing with a fare evasion allegation from Transport for Wales and worried about the next steps? We can help you navigate the process.

Enquire Now Call us

Facing a fare evasion case from Transport for Wales can be stressful and unsettling, with the prospect of a costly and damaging legal process leaving you feeling uncertain about what happens next.

At Manak Solicitors, we’ve helped clients from an array of backgrounds navigate the challenges of a fare evasion case from Transport for Wales, using our industry expertise to achieve positive resolutions to previously worrying situations.

Our case-by-case approach has seen numerous clients successfully negotiate out-of-court settlements in previously court-bound cases, while our strong legal representation ensures clients who do go to court are fully prepared and robustly defended.

Contact us today and learn how we can assist with Transport for Wales fare evasion cases like yours.

How can Manak Solicitors Help With Your Transport for Wales Fare Evasion Case?

Transport for Wales fare evasion cases can be more complex than they first appear, particularly given the operator’s extensive network across both Wales and England. Different Penalty Fares can apply across different parts of the network, meaning the potential consequences can vary depending on where the alleged offence occurred.

At Manak Solicitors, we’ve helped numerous clients navigate complicated and potentially damaging fare evasion cases with Transport for Wales, achieving swift, out-of-court resolutions in cases that held the potential for prosecution. We combine a tried-and-tested fare evasion legal approach with measures tailored specifically to the rules and procedures of Transport for Wales, allowing us to build a strong case around your personal circumstances.

The Process

Transport for Wales operates a large network across Wales and parts of England, with major destinations including Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Shrewsbury, Liverpool, and Manchester. They operate a strict Buy Before You Board Policy.

Different Penalty Fare arrangements apply across the network. In Transport for Wales’ Penalty Fare Zone, those travelling without a valid ticket can be given a Penalty Fare of £20 or twice the full single fare for their journey (whichever is greater). However, for services between Shrewsbury and Birmingham International, the National Rail Penalty Fare scheme applies, with Penalty Fares of £100 plus the cost of the full applicable single fare for the journey.

Revenue Protection Inspectors carry out checks both on trains and at stations, working alongside Transport for Wales’ own Revenue Response Officers. If you’re stopped without a valid ticket, the outcome will depend on the circumstances.

Transport for Wales states its policies are designed to distinguish those who’ve made a genuine mistake from repeat offenders and those deliberately attempting to evade fares.

Where there is a legitimate explanation or clear mitigating circumstances, no further action may be taken. Otherwise, you may receive a Failure to Purchase Notice, requiring you to pay the full fare within 21 days, or a Penalty Fare Notice, with the amount payable depending on where on the network the incident occurred.

Transport for Wales has a distinctive approach to repeat offences. If its database identifies a previous Failure to Purchase Notice, a Fixed Penalty Notice may be issued, which must be paid within 21 days to avoid prosecution.

Recurring offences, unpaid charges, false details, or suspected fraud can lead to potential prosecution at the Magistrates’ Court. Cases that escalate this far can feel daunting, with the threat of a criminal conviction, a fine of up to £1,000, and additional court costs all possible outcomes, depending on the circumstances.

As a team of specialist fare evasion solicitors, we can help reduce the risk of those circumstances by providing relevant advice and smart legal representation. We can manage correspondence with Transport for Wales, with the aim of working towards an out-of-court settlement wherever possible.

Enquire Now

How We’ve Helped Clients Facing TfW Prosecution

Repeated Short-Faring → Carer’s Career Protected

Our client, who worked as a carer and required an enhanced DBS check, was investigated by Transport for Wales following repeated short-faring across a number of journeys. We submitted a detailed schedule of the journeys and full representations on their behalf, successfully securing an out-of-court settlement. No prosecution was brought and no criminal conviction was recorded, allowing our client to continue in their caring role.

Short-Faring + Travel Without Valid Tickets → No Prosecution

Our client was investigated by Transport for Wales following a pattern of repeated short-faring and travelling without a valid ticket across multiple journeys. We submitted a detailed schedule of the journeys and full admissions on their behalf, successfully securing an out-of-court settlement. No prosecution was brought, no criminal conviction was recorded and no court appearance was required.

Repeated Incorrect Railcard Use → No Prosecution

Our client was investigated by Transport for Wales after repeatedly applying an incorrect railcard discount across a number of journeys. We reviewed the journey data provided by Transport for Wales, prepared a full schedule of the journeys and submitted detailed representations on their behalf, successfully securing an out-of-court settlement. No prosecution was brought and no criminal conviction was recorded.

Enquire Now