Indeed, you are talking nonsense.
You are legally required to state your name and address in the above circumstances. You are not required to produce an identification document or other proof thereof.
Island is exactly right.
I'm always amused by the way so many people who are being reported for an allegation of an offence, seem to view the idea of giving their details as a challenge to be avoided, but if someone is absolutely firm in their honest belief that they have done nothing wrong, why not give correct details and gain the time to research & resolve the matter properly.
Now at this point I know that many will come in with comments like 'Oh, but you don't have to' and 'the TOC cannot be trusted' and 'they don't have any right to demand this', although we can see from how the law is written, in these circumstances they do have a right to seek this information
When training RP staff I always advised that although there is a right to ask for confirmation of details, there is no right to demand production. That said, it must be remembered that in common with Police officers, most RPIs have access to IT systems that can do name and address checks. If the person being interviewed exercises their right to just give their details, the RPI should normally make a check and confirm by that service
If it then transpires that the person being asked has given false details the matter becomes more serious, which may well result in an additional charge of providing false details contrary to Section (5)(3) of the Regulation of Railways Act [1889].
Clearly, if this happens it then becomes very much more difficult for the traveller to argue that they did not intend to avoid a liability and life becomes considerably easier for the TOC prosecutor.
