Recent Success Stories: How Ellis Jones Helps Resolve Fare Evasion Cases
You may have received a letter or email regarding fare evasion or intended prosecution and be feeling worried about what this means and what you can do.
You may have been stopped in relation to one single offence, but the railway company is likely to submit a Data Subject Access Request (also known as a DSAR or SAR) to Trainline in order to obtain your ticket purchase history. Doing this can reveal previous additional fare evasion offences such as incorrectly requested refunds or dates where you travelled without a valid railcard. It’s really important to take the correct approach and Ellis Jones have helped lots of people deal with these matters effectively and calmly without the need for court hearings or resulting criminal records.
In recent months, the number of fare evasion cases has continued to rise, and one of the most frequently asked questions is, how successful has Ellis Jones been in settling case of fare evasion out of Court? So, we wanted to share some of our most recent successes with you:
Chiltern Railways
Last month we were instructed by a full-time student who was caught fare evading on Chiltern Railway when trying to leave the station. The clients ticket purchase history revealed a number of further offences including inaccurately requested refunds and tickets that were shorter than the journey actually made. Chiltern Railways had commenced active court proceedings against our client, and before the hearing date was set, Ellis Jones managed to have the case withdrawn. The case was settled by way of an administrative disposal. The client paid the cost of any unpaid fares, along with the railway’s administrative fees.
Southeastern Railway
Just two weeks ago Ellis Jones settled a case of fare evasion where the client had been purchasing tickets shorter than the journey they were making. The client did this for over 10 months and was transparent with the railways about his ticket purchase history at the earliest possible stage. Ellis Jones successfully put forward a settlement proposal on our client’s behalf for payment of all 77 fare evaded journeys and the railways administrative costs.
Transport for Wales
This week we settled a fare evasion case with Transport for Wales after our client had been incorrectly purchasing child’s tickets across the past four months. Our client received an email from Transport for Wales requesting comment on suspected fare evasion ticket purchases. With representations from Ellis Jones Solicitors, a settlement has been agreed.
Southwestern Railways
Last but by no means least, we recently settled a matter whereby the client had evaded a total of 184 journeys in over 1 year. The client was a university student at the time, and with Ellis Jones representations the railway agreed to settle the matter out of court by repayment of all unpaid fares, along with their administrative costs.
Some of you come to us with one offence, and others with many more. Together we can be proactive in discussing your circumstances and co-operating with the railway to have the matter dealt with.
How can Ellis Jones help?
We take on cases with many other railway operators in addition to the ones listed above. To contact one of our experts please call 01202 525333. For more details on fare evasion and previous cases, please see Fare Evasion: can you avoid a criminal conviction.
About the Authors
"The professional service provided by James Constable was exceptional"
Lovetta is a Legal Assistant and works to support our Crime and Banking & Finance departments from our London office.
"I feel as though Lovetta has saved me from a criminal record that would have been detrimental to my future and I am very appreciative of the work she has done for my case!"
How can we help?
When you submit this form an email will be sent to the relevant department who will contact you within 48 hours. If you require urgent advice please call 01202 525333.
