Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has ordered a review of train company fines amid concerns that commuters making “genuine mistakes” are being hit with penalties.
The rail regulator has been asked to probe the current system used by train firms to protect their revenues.
The Cabinet minister firmly backed fines for people seeking to dodge fares and for action to be taken against abusive and violent passengers.
Ms Haigh said: “Make no mistake, deliberate fare-dodging has no place on our railways and must be tackled, but innocent people shouldn’t feel like a genuine mistake will land them in court.
“An independent review is the right course of action, and will help restore passengers’ confidence in the system.
“It is clear that ticketing is far too complicated, with a labyrinth of different fares and prices which can be confusing for passengers.
“That’s why we have committed to the biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation, including simplifying fares to make travelling by train easier.”
Rail firms deploy fare protection teams and have been using new technology to tackle fare dodging.
However, thousands of fines may be thrown out after having been brought under the controversial Single Justice Procedures system.
The review into how train companies deal with suspected fare evasion, which comes as the new Labour Government presses ahead with rail renationalisation, will consider how clear terms and conditions are for passengers and how they are communicated, as well as when prosecution is an “appropriate step”.
The Office for Rail and Road will carry out the review and assess operators’ enforcement and broader consumer practices.
ORR director of strategy, policy and reform Stephanie Tobyn said: “We welcome the opportunity to conduct this review.
“It is important passengers are treated fairly and dealt with consistently and proportionately when ticketing issues arise, whilst also balancing the legitimate revenue protection interests of operators and taxpayers.”
The ORR is being advised to seek evidence for the review from independent experts, including legal and industry specialists, as well as engaging fully with passenger representatives.
Officials at the Department for Transport will “work at pace” with the ORR to finalise the scope, timings and terms of reference for the review.
