10:33am Saturday 11th October 2008
By Alita Howe
Fines for fare dodgers across London’s public transport network will more than double under new plans announced by Transport for London yesterday.
The fine, currently £20, will rise to £50 and Transport for London (TfL) said it hoped the new charges will act as a deterrent.
It will apply across the Tube, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground and bus network but people will be offered the chance to reduce the fine to £25 if they pay within 21 days.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “Fare evasion costs Londoners £70m a year, which is money that belongs to all Londoners that should be invested in making the transport network better.
“We are investing record amounts in renewing the network, and it is only fair that those who travel on the Tube or bus pay their way.
“These changes to penalty fares will provide a greater deterrent to those who would otherwise try to short-change Londoners.”
Steve Burton, director of community safety, enforcement and policing at Tfl, said: ”We know that our honest, fare paying passengers feel angry when they see others not paying for their journey and this should reassure them that we are tackling this issue head on.”
The fines will come into force from January 11 next year.
What do you think about the new fines? Tell us in the comment section below.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk