Trams: 45% increase in penalty notices issued to fare dodgers in a month

Following the launch of Nottingham Express Transit’s (NET) zero tolerance campaign to crack down on fare evasion last December, there has been a 45% month-on-month rise in Penalty Fare Notices issued. 

During the first month of the campaign, which has seen an increased presence of plain clothed officers at tram stops and on trams across the network, more than 1,120 Penalty Fare Notices were issued.

Throughout 2023, NET issued 7,682 Penalty Fare Notices and prosecuted 2,580 customers that refused to pay their Penalty Fare Notice. The zero tolerance campaign remains ongoing during 2024 in an effort to clamp down on anyone refusing to travel legally on the trams.

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Sarah Turner, service delivery and safety director at NET, said:

“Since December last year we’ve taken a ‘no excuses’ approach to handing out Penalty Fare Notices, reinforcing the message that fare evasion is theft.

“This resulted in 1,127 notices being issued, which is nearly 50% more than the previous month. Verbal warnings have also drastically reduced, highlighting the consistency of this campaign across the network.

“These recent figures highlight our commitment towards ensuring Nottingham’s trams remain a safe and reliable mode of transport for all, but this isn’t to be seen as the campaign ‘wrapping up’.

“NET’s zero tolerance policy towards fare evasion remains part of our day-to-day operations and we will continue to draw upon our connections with the local police force to ensure there’s an increased presence on the ground, supporting this campaign while also helping to keep the public safe.

“Of course, our ultimate goal isn’t to increase the number of Penalty Fare Notices we issue in 2024, but to reduce the misuse of our trams and challenge perceptions of fare evasion – this percentage increase shown during the first month is testament to the attitude that people can now expect from our staff, reiterating this message.”

NET operates a ‘buy before you board’ policy which means all tram users must purchase a ticket before boarding, or ensure their passes are validated.

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