TfL Ref: FOI-2867-2425
Thank you for your request received by us on 30 November 2024, asking about fare evasion at Southgate station.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
We take fare evasion extremely seriously and our team of 450 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.
The penalty fare is one of several tools available to minimise this revenue loss and deter individuals from committing fare evasion. Penalty Fare Notices are issued in lieu of initiating a criminal prosecution following fare evasion, in circumstances where the offender is considered not to have deliberately set out to avoid the fare due. Fare evasion is a criminal offence that could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record.
You asked:
Under the FOI act I ask for the camera photos showing Southgate college students pushing through barriers and not paying and your explanations as to why you allow this.
I am afraid that under section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act we are unable to release information that would allow a third party to be identified and where such identification would be unfair. In this instance we believe that any third party captured on CCTV would be able to be identified. Note that release of information under the FOI Act is considered to be release to the world at large rather than to the individual applicant, and therefore the potential for identification is considered on that basis.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
