TfL Faces Backlash Over “Criminal Record” Warnings in Fare Evasion Crackdown

Transport for London (TfL) has been accused of misleading passengers with posters warning that fare dodgers could end up with a criminal record.

Critics claim the campaign exaggerates the consequences of evading fares, while TfL insists the message is fair.

The Controversial Posters

Across London’s Tube and bus network, posters warn: “Fare evasion is a criminal offence. Make sure you touch in and out to avoid a £100 penalty or criminal record.” The reference to a criminal record was added to posters early in 2024.

TfL argues that convictions, even for non-recordable offences, are still criminal matters documented in court records and may appear on some Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. But campaigners argue the claim risks misleading passengers, since fare evasion offences prosecuted under transport byelaws usually do not create a permanent criminal record.

Campaigners Push Back

Penelope Gibbs, director of Transform Justice, who first raised the alarm, criticised the messaging. “Nobody supports fare dodging, but it is wrong to frighten people with misleading claims. TfL needs to be clear and accurate,” she said.

TfL maintains it has acted correctly, citing more than 27,000 penalty fares issued between January and July this year and over 8,700 prosecutions launched in the same period. A spokesperson stressed that while the majority of cases are “non-recordable,” convictions can still have employment and travel implications.

Political and Public Pressure

The row comes at a time of mounting concern over fare dodging. In May, Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick filmed himself chasing fare evaders at Stratford station, using the stunt to attack London Mayor Sadiq Khan. More recently, a viral video showed a man forcing his way through ticket barriers at Bank station while staff stood by without intervening.

TfL has previously faced criticism over misleading information in its enforcement materials. Last year, it was revealed that advice given to bus passengers suggested fare evasion was always a “strict liability” offence—ignoring the fact that defendants can argue a “reasonable excuse.”

Private Prosecutions Under Fire

TfL prosecutes hundreds of alleged fare evaders every week using the Single Justice Procedure (SJP), where magistrates decide cases on paper in private hearings. Court records show that in one week alone, TfL brought 592 prosecutions, with fines ranging from £40 to £440. More than three-quarters of defendants failed to engage with the process.

Campaigners argue the SJP system lacks transparency and can unfairly pressure defendants. Gibbs described it as “unjust and secretive,” warning that prosecutors like TfL must take extra care to present accurate information.

Government Reviews Still Pending

The government has been consulting on reforms to private prosecutions and the Single Justice Procedure, including the possibility of an independent regulator. However, four months after the consultation closed in May, no outcome has been announced.

For now, TfL continues its hard-line messaging, insisting that fare evasion is a criminal offence with real consequences. But with campaigners, lawyers, and politicians questioning its approach, the battle over how far TfL should go in its crackdown is far from over.