FARE dodgers on commuter services through north Kent will be punished by a football-style red and yellow card system.

Train operator Connex will scrap its current method of issuing £10 on-the-spot fines in a bid to claw back the £30m it loses annually to fare evasion.

The company says 9,000 passengers a day try to avoid buying a ticket and admits the present penalty system does not work.

Passengers have given a cautious thumbs-up to the innovative scheme, which will be brought in on January 1, 2002.

John Walsh, 34, travels to work in Petts Wood from Essex.

He said: "It sounds like a good idea as long as they plough the money back into services.

"I have to say I've never even seen a ticket inspector on the Connex trains."

And 26-year-old Sarah Walker, who commutes into central London, said: "I suppose they do need to do something but it makes me mad when they go on about fare evasion when the service is so unreliable."

Inspectors will issue a "yellow card" warning, which will carry an administration fee, and the offenders details will be taken.

A second offence will result in an immediate court summons, which could mean a fine of up to £1,000 or three months in prison.

Connex spokesman Dave Ewart told the News Shopper: "We are aware people try to dodge the system by just paying £10 when they are caught but this will put a stop to that.

"I'm not aware of any other rail operator that is doing this.

"We want to drive home the message that you need a valid ticket for your journey.

"As it stands at the moment we can prosecute straight away if we feel it is necessary and this will not change."

What do you think? E-mail Richard Simcox

rsimcox@london.newsquest.co.uk

December 3, 2001 11:16

Richard Simcox