Anyone found without a ticket on NET Trams across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire could face a fine of £70 and many shoppers in the city said they think it is too high. Penalty fines were previously £50, but as of October 1, last year, fines were raised up to £70 for those who are ticket dodgers.
Nottingham’s tram network says it has a ‘zero tolerance’ for fare-dodgers and will be issuing £70 fines for anyone who boards the service without a ticket. People in the city told Nottinghamshire Live what they think about the £70 penalty fee.
Julianne Warnock, from Nottingham, said that the previously imposed fine was enough. Mrs Warnock said: “I thought £50 was an adequate fine. It’s a lot, really. People that are dodging perhaps don’t have a lot of money. There’s always going to be that group that if an inspector comes on they jump off.”
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Aldrin Jacob, 21, says the penalty fare is suitable to prevent people from fare dodging. The student said: “I think it’s pretty reasonable. There’s this other chance where you face prosecution, it’s a little stupid. The penalty is alright, so people don't fee dodge.”
Aldrin’s friend Diya, who is also a student, added: “I think £70 is way too high, honestly. What if someone can’t pay it?”
Susan Buchanan, from Arnold, told Nottinghamshire Live that a smaller fee if you get caught would be fairer, The 55-year-old said: “I always pay. To be honest I rarely get my ticket checked. I can understand why - I usually tell people that are visiting and people that are getting on innocently. It’s probably fair, if you’re generally skipping then yes. Paying a little more if you get caught on the tram seems fairer.”
Trevor Stocker, head of operations at NET, has outlined some of the problems facing the tram service ahead of a council meeting on Tuesday, July 12. Mr Stocker outlined the main problems facing the network between February and May 2022.He said: “As Covid restrictions were eased, like many other transport operators, we have experienced an increase in incidents, including damage to ticket vending machines, validators and tram windows.
“A number of NET employees have also been subjected to verbal abuse. We are working closely with local police, British Transport Police, community policing teams, city centre management, and other transport operators, to share trends and intelligence. Thanks to our extensive CCTV coverage, partnership working, and proactive policing with uniformed and plain clothed patrols, a number of arrests have been made.”
Incidents involving anti-social behaviour also included school children on the tracks in the Clifton area and at the Meadows Embankment. He said NET has also operated a “zero tolerance” fare evasion campaign.
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