Over 28,000 Rail Fare Evasion Prosecutions Declared Unlawful

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled that over 28,000 fare evasion prosecutions by Northern Rail and TransPennine Express were unlawful and nullified them in a brief court hearing.
The misuse involved the Single Justice Procedure (SJP), a fast-track system meant for minor offences, which was improperly applied under the Regulation of Railways Act 1889.
Northern Rail brought 28,631 cases between 2020 and 2024, while TransPennine Express prosecuted 41 cases in 2024, all of which have now been overturned.
Further hearings are expected to address similar cases involving other train operators, with the total number of affected prosecutions estimated to exceed 74,000.
The government has announced a review of the SJP and private prosecution standards, while affected individuals will be contacted by the Courts and Tribunals Service for resolution and potential reimbursements.