Calls for yellow card system for train passengers after ticket prosecutions
Share:
It comes in the wake of cases where passengers were being prosecuted over small amounts of money. Calls have been made for a ‘yellow card’ system for train passengers after cases of users being prosecuted over small amounts of money. Those caught without a ticket should be let off with a warning for a first offence, according to a watchdog.
![[Train passengers caught without a ticket should be let off with a warning for a first offence, according to watchdog Transport Focus]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/15/18/01JHN5RMBTYJVBFTVBK1TBYNRQ.jpg)
Transport Focus urged all operators in Britain to introduce a so-called yellow card system to “make things fairer for everyone”. A record of passengers found not to have the correct ticket or railcard would be taken so it can be checked in future. This comes in the wake of cases where passengers were being prosecuted over small amounts of money were highlighted in the media.
Engineering graduate Sam Williamson said he feared getting a criminal record and being fined hundreds of pounds after being told he was being prosecuted by Government-owned operator Northern because he unknowingly used a railcard at the wrong time, resulting in a £1.90 underpayment.
Northern dropped its action against him following media coverage. In November, the Department for Transport ordered regulator the Office of Rail and Road to carry out an independent review of rail fare prosecutions and enforcement. Train operators also used the Penalty Fares system, which is a £100 penalty plus the price of the full single fare applicable for the intended journey.
