Originally Posted by Trinity 09L
compared to avoiding a £4 rail fare
Railway fare evasion is not dealt with by means of a fixed penalty notice (FPN). It is dealt with under specific Railway Legislation.
Within defined areas a passenger without a ticket can be issued with a Penalty Notice which is additional to the fare to be paid, but not when attempting to travel without paying is involved. This is always Prosecuted. This Penalty Notice is totally different from a FPN in that it is a penalty for not having a ticket and is recoverable at Law as a civil debt. A failure to pay the fare itself is a Criminal act offence.