Plans to change the way fare dodging rail passengers are punished have been outlined by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Ministers want to make the process simpler following accusations that it is unfair and lacks consistency.
The proposals are in response to reports into the issue by independent watchdog Transport Focus (TF) which explained that, under current arrangements, train operators are "the victim, the investigators, the decision makers and the prosecutor".
It described this as a "powerful position" and declared that "the whole system requires an overhaul".
TF said the outlook for passengers mistakenly accused of fare dodging is "bleak", and warned that some passengers are being threatened with criminal sanctions despite no evidence they were attempting to commit fraud.
The proposals announced by the DfT include:
:: Clearer rules on deadlines for payments and appeals
:: Making appeals bodies independent of train operators and their owners
:: The creation of a third-stage independent appeals panel
:: Stronger DfT oversight of the appeals process through an annual audit of penalty fares data
https://uk.yahoo.com/finance/news/revamp-plans-punishments-dished-rail-161443357.html