Transport for London Fare Evasion Policies
Transport for London (TfL) operates the London Underground, Overground, DLR, TfL Rail, London Buses, and other transport services across the capital. TfL has one of the most sophisticated fare enforcement systems in the UK, with a unique approach that differs from mainline railway operators. If you've received a penalty fare notice or are facing prosecution for fare evasion on any TfL service, understanding their specific procedures and your legal rights is essential.
Penalty Fare Amount
TfL currently issues penalty fares of £80, which is reduced to £40 if paid within 21 days. This is different from the National Rail penalty fare system. For more serious cases or repeat offenders, TfL may pursue prosecution under the Regulation of Railways Act or Greater London Authority Act, which can result in fines of up to £1,000.
Appeal Process
TfL has a three-stage appeal process. You first appeal to TfL directly, then to an independent appeals service, and finally to London TravelWatch if necessary. Each stage has specific timeframes and requirements. Our specialists are familiar with all stages of the TfL appeal process and can help you navigate this complex system effectively.
Prosecution Thresholds
TfL typically reserves prosecution for repeated fare evasion, deliberate avoidance of payment, or cases involving counterfeit tickets or fraud. They maintain a comprehensive database of previous offenses and may pursue prosecution rather than issue penalty fares for those with multiple prior incidents. Prosecutions are usually handled by TfL's dedicated legal team.
Payment Options
Penalty fares can be paid online through the TfL website, by phone, or by post. The reduced rate of £40 is only available if paid within 21 days. After this period, the full £80 becomes payable. TfL rarely offers payment plans, but our team may be able to negotiate special arrangements in cases of genuine financial hardship.
Required Documentation
For successful appeals, you'll typically need comprehensive evidence such as Oyster card records, contactless payment statements, photographic evidence of faulty equipment, medical documentation for emergencies, or other proof of mitigating circumstances. TfL has access to journey history data, which can be both helpful or challenging depending on the case.
Common Defenses
Successful defenses often include evidence of Oyster/contactless payment system failures, proof that you attempted to pay the correct fare, technical failures of ticket machines, unclear signage about fare requirements, or exceptional circumstances that prevented proper ticketing. TfL's access to detailed journey records means defenses must be particularly well-evidenced.
Important Information About Transport for London
Network Coverage
TfL operates multiple transport modes across London, including the Underground (tube), Overground, Elizabeth line (formerly TfL Rail), Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Buses, London Trams, and the Emirates Air Line cable car. Each service has the same fare enforcement policies, though implementation may vary between modes.
Enforcement Approach
TfL employs both uniformed and plain-clothes Revenue Protection Inspectors (RPIs) who conduct regular ticket checks. Unlike National Rail, TfL uses a risk-based approach targeting specific stations, routes, and times based on fare evasion data. They also conduct large-scale ticket inspection operations with British Transport Police support.
Oyster and Contactless System
TfL's electronic ticketing system creates unique challenges and defenses in fare evasion cases. Issues such as card clash, incomplete tap-in/tap-out, and system errors can sometimes lead to incorrect penalty fares. TfL can access your full journey history, which may support or contradict your account of events.
Recent Success Stories
System Error Appeal
A client received an £80 penalty fare for allegedly not tapping in on the Underground. We helped them retrieve their bank statements and Oyster journey history, which revealed a pattern of consistent payment and a technical error where their tap-in hadn't registered despite a payment being taken. The penalty was completely withdrawn.
Result: Penalty cancelled and fare refunded
Prosecution Case Dropped
Our client faced prosecution for multiple instances of fare evasion on the Overground. We demonstrated that they suffered from a condition that affected their memory and comprehension of the ticketing system. By providing medical evidence and showing they had since registered for a disabled person's Freedom Pass, we secured the withdrawal of all charges.
Result: Multiple prosecutions dropped, no criminal record
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forgot to tap out on the Tube or Overground?
Forgetting to tap out results in a maximum fare being charged rather than an immediate penalty fare. However, if you're stopped by an RPI before exiting, you may receive a penalty fare for not having a valid ticket for your journey. You can appeal with evidence of regular correct usage and your usual travel pattern. TfL may be more lenient for first-time instances.
How does TfL handle cases where card clash occurred?
Card clash happens when you have multiple contactless cards and the wrong one is detected. TfL recognizes this issue, and successful appeals can be made with evidence showing payment was attempted with one card while another was detected. Bank statements and TfL journey history are crucial evidence in these cases. Our specialists can help gather the right evidence.
Does TfL share data with National Rail operators?
Yes, TfL does share fare evasion data with National Rail operators, particularly for services that interact with TfL networks (like London Overground connections to mainline services). This means that repeat fare evasion across different transport systems can affect how your case is handled. Our team considers your complete transport usage when building an effective defense strategy.