General Zod
Member
- Joined
- 5 Jan 2008
- Messages
- 565
Perhaps the subject has been discussed many times in previous threads but after reading the latest post from the 'Hatfield law student' and his travails with FCC I really do have some sympathy with the non-informed and casual traveler regarding the pitfalls and perils of ticketless and invalid ticket travel. Whereas I do not condone such behavior I genuinely believe that the majority of average folk have no clue regarding the strict and harsh penalties which could potentially be handed out to them. Once a week a new poster arrives who has had an unfortunate on-board Ripper experience ( FCC seem to be quite busy) and is quite bemused at the harsh treatment being meted out to him / her. By all accounts they seem utterly horrified that the TOCs have taken such draconian measures. They seem further mortified when informed that the TOCs are following railway laws laid down and can/will pursue an individual through the courts.
The cynic in me says that if more direct and visible informing took place at the stations themselves then perhaps people would take firmer measures to ensure that they will not be breaking rules but this would in turn lead to lower collection in PFs , fines and out of court settlements. Privatization was a government policy and I do feel that they are at liberty to further edify the traveling public on the subject and the resulting penalties one can expect if found breaking the law. Certainly the more compassionate among you would agree that many people have fallen foul of train revenue collectors purely through their own simple ignorance, mistakes or just genuine lack of understanding of the rules. Consequently , and some may say justifiably, they feel quite aggrieved at being financially penalized or labelled as fare dodgers.
The cynic in me says that if more direct and visible informing took place at the stations themselves then perhaps people would take firmer measures to ensure that they will not be breaking rules but this would in turn lead to lower collection in PFs , fines and out of court settlements. Privatization was a government policy and I do feel that they are at liberty to further edify the traveling public on the subject and the resulting penalties one can expect if found breaking the law. Certainly the more compassionate among you would agree that many people have fallen foul of train revenue collectors purely through their own simple ignorance, mistakes or just genuine lack of understanding of the rules. Consequently , and some may say justifiably, they feel quite aggrieved at being financially penalized or labelled as fare dodgers.