Tracking the fare dodgers (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Tracking the fare dodgers

FARE dodgers who can afford to pay for tickets but do not bother are being targeted by Swindon's First Great Western.

A new campaign, using the slogan Can Pay, Won't Pay will be used on posters at more than 100 stations.

The company claims the majority of fare evasion is carried out by business people and professionals.

To tackle the well-heeled dodgers, the train company has teamed up with the Crime-stoppers hotline.

Members of the public will be encouraged to call the number and report any fare evaders they see.

Those convicted of deliberate fare evasion face a fine of up to £1,000 or three months in prison.

Peter Standring, business manager revenue protection at First Great Western, said: "Although we're already successful at identifying and prosecuting fare evaders, using the public's eyes and ears will help us be more efficient in ensuring that money due to the rail industry is paid to the rail industry."

The new campaign builds on the company's work to thwart fare dodgers, including exercises at stations, regular ticket checks on trains and the setting up of a dedicated prosecutions unit.

First Great Western recently employed 23 extra staff to tackle ticketless travel.

Chief Inspector Kevin Marshall from British Transport Police said: "Although fare evaders come from all walks of life, there is a strong link between ticketless travel and antisocial behaviour, such as the theft of passenger property.

"We work alongside the train companies on a number

of crime reduction initiatives, and this partnership with Crimestoppers is to be welcomed."

In the last year, more than 27,000 Penalty Fare notices have been issued across the First Great Western network.

More than 2,000 people have been prosecuted and £3 million of revenue has been

recovered for re-investment in the rail network.

Mr Standing added: "People calling Crimestoppers may be aware of colleagues or acquaintances who regularly travel without a ticket.

"Perhaps commuters may see fare evaders regularly travelling on a long journey while only buying tickets to local stations.

"Or perhaps they may overhear people on board trains boasting that they are travelling without a ticket.

"Whatever the circumstances, we would urge them to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Gareth Bethell