Ministers have commissioned a review into the way train companies tackle suspected fare evasion following reports of firms prosecuting passengers for minor mistakes.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said the review will look at how clear terms and conditions are and how they are communicated, as well as when prosecution is an appropriate step.
Regulator the Office for Rail and Road (ORR) will carry out the review, including assessing operators’ enforcement and broader consumer practices.
However the scope, timings and terms of reference of the review have yet to be finalised; the DfT said its officials will work at pace with the ORR to do this.
It said that while train operators can use a variety of methods, including prosecution, to ensure customers are paying the correct amount, ‘reports have emerged of instances where a disproportionate approach might have been taken to those making a genuine mistake’.
Ms Haigh said the review will help restore passengers' confidence in the system.
She 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.
‘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.’
The ORR’s director of strategy, policy and reform, Stephanie Tobyn, said the regulator welcomed the opportunity to carry out the review.
Alex Robertson, chief executive of watchdog Transport Focus, also welcomed the announcement.
He said: ‘We will be sharing with the review what passengers have told us about how confusing the current ticketing system is.’
‘We also know fare evasion costs the railway hundreds of millions of pounds every year, money which could be better used to improve services for passengers.
‘Positive action on revenue protection with a focus on ensuring penalties are given only to those who deserve them will help build trust and confidence in the railway.’
