SEVERAL fines have been handed out at Redditch Train Station after people were found to be travelling without tickets.
This comes just days after the penalty for evading rail fares increased from £20 to £100.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said the former system, which had not been updated since 2005, was not enough of a deterrent for fare dodgers.
The increase came into force on January 23.
If the fine is paid before within 21 days, the charge is reduced to £50.
Previously, those travelling without a ticket were fined whichever was greater of £20 or twice the ticket price to the next station the train calls at.
The Rail Delivery Group estimates that fare evasion is costing the rail industry an estimated £240 million per year.
Today West Mercia Police have been working with West Mids safer travel, British Transport Police and Revenue Protection Inspectors at Redditch Rail Station.
— Redditch SNTs (@RedditchCops) January 25, 2023
Several people were found to be travelling without tickets and fines issued.#policingpromise #Neighbourhoodpolicingweek pic.twitter.com/kIlgEwIR22
West Mercia Police worked with West Midlands Safer Travel, British Transport Police and Revenue Protection Inspectors in a joint operation at Redditch Train Station to catch fare dodgers.
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