Request ID: FOI-0278-2324 Date published: 22 May 2023
You asked
Good afternoon,
I would be most grateful if, further to the link on statistics below, you would kindly:
https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/tfl-fare-evasion-prosecutions
1. provide an up-to-date breakdown of fare evasion up to and including 2022, if available.
2. statistics and average breakdown on the length of convictions arising from these prosecutions:
i.e.
(a) 12 month prosecution and the related fare evasion frequency and/or monetary value (if available), level of fine and victim surcharge on average?
(b) maximum term of conviction (five years?), and the related fare evasion frequency and/or monetary value (if available) and level of fine and victim surcharge on average?
Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0278-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 26th April 2023 asking for information on prosecutions for fare evasion. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“I would be most grateful if, further to the link on statistics below, you would kindly: https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/tfl-fare-evasion-prosecutions 1. provide an up-to-date breakdown of fare evasion up to and including 2022, if available. 2. statistics and average breakdown on the length of convictions arising from these prosecutions: i.e. (a) 12 month prosecution and the related fare evasion frequency and/or monetary value (if available), level of fine and victim surcharge on average? (b) maximum term of conviction (five years?), and the related fare evasion frequency and/or monetary value (if available) and level of fine and victim surcharge on average?”
I can confirm that we hold the information you require. Please see the spreadsheet that was published with a similar request last week, which can be found on our website here:
This provides the requested data from 2019/2020 to 2022/23, showing the number of prosecutions for fare evasion and sentencing outcomes for each of the London Underground (LU), London Overground (LO), Buses, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and the Elizabeth Line (EL - previously known as ‘TfL Rail’ or Crossrail (XR)). In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with a copy of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere.
Note that fare evasion prosecutions by TfL are for summary only offences under the TfL Railway Byelaws (for rail offences) and the PSV (Conduct) Regulations 1990 (for Bus offences). None of these offence convictions has resulted in a custodial sentence. The Magistrates Court imposes a Fine, Prosecutions Costs, Compensation (for fares avoided) if appropriate and a Victim Surcharge. The Magistrates work to the sentencing guidelines from the Sentencing Council when deciding the sentence to impose and always consider a Defendants means/ability to pay when setting fines/costs etc. The frequency of offending is only one of the factors taken into consideration. TfL takes fare evasion extremely seriously and our team of revenue inspectors operate across our network day and night, using new technology and intelligence to identify anyone travelling without a ticket. Through continued partnership working with the police and intelligence gathering we will push for the toughest penalties for anyone caught fare evading on our services. Fare evasion takes away vital revenue for us to reinvest into our transport network to keep London moving. We have strategies in place to tackle fare evasion head on and a commitment to reduce any form of ticketing irregularities. Efforts to tackle fare evasion have been helped by changes to the way we manage our stations, with more staff visible in and around stations including on gate lines.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
