NET says more officers will be on Nottingham trams in new fare dodging crackdown
The operators of Nottingham’s tram network[1] say there will be an increase in the number of officers cracking down on passengers dodging fares in the coming weeks. NET says it has issued more than 7,000 penalty notices and prosecuted more than 2,500 customers this year over travelling without a valid ticket or pass. Whilst those dodging fares already receive a GBP70 Penalty Fare Notice,[2] which risks a fine of up to GBP1,000 and a criminal prosecution if left unpaid, NET says it is introducing a ‘no questions asked’ policy when it comes to issuing fines.
It also says there will be an increased number of plain clothed officers at tram stops and on trams across the network. Sarah Turner, the service delivery and safety director at NET, said: “Many people may think it’s harmless to skip the tram fares when travelling on the trams but the fact is, if you travel without a valid ticket then it is theft and could result in a criminal record which can show up on DBS checks against your name for up to 11 years. This can have real implications especially for students and those in paid employment.
Should Nottingham City Council have managed its finances better over the last 10 years? Let us know here.[3] “By supporting our trams you’re helping to keep vital infrastructure within the city where we all work, learn and play, helping us stamp out crime and making our trams safer for all.” NET operates a ‘buy before you board’ policy and tickets can be purchased at the machines on stops or online. Although introducing its new campaign against fare dodging from Monday, December 4, NET says it does recognise that some people “genuinely make a mistake” by purchasing the wrong ticket.
It therefore says it will be reminding customers of best practice. Some of Nottingham’s tram passengers[4] backed the new campaign. Lisa Huckley, 52, said: “It is a good thing that fines are being increased because people like me use the tram every day and pay out of my pocket.
These people are getting away with it.” William Bates, 32, said: “I do not see tram inspectors enough to be honest. Undercover tram inspectors would solve this problem.
I do not think the tram fare should be free either, just more money that the council do not have.” Charlie Goodrow, 78, said: “The tram fare is not even that expensive. They do student concession fares, under 19, old age pensioners and zone travel.
There is no excuse.”
References
- ^ Nottingham’s tram network (www.nottinghampost.com)
- ^ GBP70 Penalty Fare Notice, (www.nottinghampost.com)
- ^ Let us know here. (xd.wayin.com)
- ^ tram passengers (www.nottinghampost.com)