Train passengers who are caught travelling without a valid ticket could find themselves with an unexpected criminal record, it has emerged.
A review published by the Office of Rail and Road revealed that even passengers who have mistakenly bought the wrong tickets for their journey could be prosecuted if their appeals against a penalty fare are rejected.
Penalty fares are handed by inspectors to passengers without a valid ticket while travelling and on National Rail services typically cost around £100 plus the full cost of a single fare for the journey. They can be appealed within 21 days of receipt.
But in some extreme cases, fines of up to £1000 can be brought forward if a person is convicted of travelling with the intent to avoid payment.
The rule change comes in a bid to clamp down on fare-dodging and was ruled by a judgement from the Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring earlier this year.
