AIUI▸ from discussions elsewhere the Regulation of Railways Act 1889 as amended; Section 5(2) allows this.
If a passenger having failed either to produce, or if requested to deliver up, a ticket showing that his fare is paid, or to pay his fare, refuses [F4or fails] on request by an officer or servant of a railway company, to give his name and address, any officer of the company F5. . . may detain him until he can be conveniently brought before some justice or otherwise discharged by due course of law.
I have heard that most railway staff are advised not to try this, but the basic point of law still exists.
Paul
I saw this in action at Birmingham New Street once, in the subtle way. One of those passengers who don't need a ticket or pass got very angry with the conductor, who had unreasonably suggested he did, and asked for a fare. The conductor was about half the size of the passenger, so after futile discussion, the conductor left the carriage. On arrival at BHM, the doors remained closed for a couple of minutes, until two burly men in yellow serge arrived on the platform, one each end of the carriage. Our special passenger's smug grin vanished when he realised this reception committee was for him.
When in a hole, stop digging, my grandmother always said. In fact, throw the shovel away. Had our man obeyed this dictum, he may well have got away with a penalty fare, but he decided, to the amusement of all, to have a go at the cops. The Darbies were produced and applied. Our man left the platform with his head held, and his feet held even higher.
Easier in a big station with a permanent
BTP▸ presence than some lonely halt mid-nowhere, but
CCTV▸ can be used, and our staff need not put themselves in danger again.
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