Could the UK be like the Republic of Ireland in terms of banning access to stations without a ticket?

[dubscottie]

Moderator note: Split from https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/poor-treatment-of-customers-by-the-railway-industry.282722/

Is it a minute, or two? What about three? Or should it be a bit longer if there's a tunnel with no phone signal upon departure from the station?

Much easier and clearer so say you must be in possession of a valid ticket before you board the train,

As an Inspector in Ireland, I am amazed at some of the posts here.
In Ireland thats how it works. You need a valid ticket to be on the platform, and certainly before you board any train.

A passenger running late is a them issue not the railways issue. It's not our fault that you didn't have time to buy a ticket or your phone died etc..

Buy a ticket online while you are on the way to the station to save you time.

 

[Puffing Devil]

As an Inspector in Ireland, I am amazed at some of the posts here.
In Ireland thats how it works. You need a valid ticket to be on the platform, and certainly before you board any train.
A passenger running late is a them issue not the railways issue. It's not our fault that you didn't have time to buy a ticket or your phone died etc..
Buy a ticket online while you are on the way to the station to save you time.

I could get behind this: make as many platforms as possible compulsory ticket areas. Even where machines need to be on the platform, the yellow safety line could be the demarcation. Cross the line, you need a ticket. Simple.

The TOCs don't help by continuing to sell tickets on board on demand - these should attract a premium, unless there is no other way to purchase or the passenger has a permit to pay.

 

[island]

As an Inspector in Ireland, I am amazed at some of the posts here.
In Ireland thats how it works. You need a valid ticket to be on the platform, and certainly before you board any train.
A passenger running late is a them issue not the railways issue. It's not our fault that you didn't have time to buy a ticket or your phone died etc..
Buy a ticket online while you are on the way to the station to save you time.

Whilst you may be an inspector, you are not quite correct, legally speaking, in your assertion that "you need a valid ticket to be on the platform". CIÉ byelaw 3 does prohibit passing through a ticket barrier without a ticket, but (1) not all stations are barriered, and (2) breaching this byelaw is not an offence, and the only remedy an Iarnród Éireann officer can exercise is to remove the passenger from the railway (with the assistance if necessary of a Garda). (This is similar to byelaw 17 in the UK.)

Section 132 of Ireland's Railway Safety Act 2005, which is almost directly copied from section 5 of the Regulation of Railways Act 1889, creates fare evasion offences for those who have boarded trains without a ticket, who overtravel, or who fail to give name and address when required. Section 133 creates penalty fares (fixed payment notices) of €100.

Overall, the legal ability for IÉ as an operator to prosecute passengers is weaker than that of a Train Operating Company in England and Wales. Irish law contains no strict liability offence of boarding without a ticket similar to the UK's byelaw 18, and for a prosecution to take place, intent must be proven. On the other hand, IÉ's fixed payment notices system has far fewer checks and balances than the England/Wales Penalty Fares scheme, with no signage requirements, rules about what the notice must contain, or appeals procedure. Indeed, the IÉ website only contains explanation of how to pay an FPN, with no mention of or option to dispute or make representations. An unpaid FPN cannot be pursued as a civil debt in Ireland; IÉ would need to take a prosecution in the District Court under section 132 RSA 2005 and prove intent to avoid the fare.

 

[dubscottie]

Whilst you may be an inspector, you are not quite correct, legally speaking, in your assertion that "you need a valid ticket to be on the platform". CIÉ byelaw 3 does prohibit passing through a ticket barrier without a ticket, but (1) not all stations are barriered, and (2) breaching this byelaw is not an offence, and the only remedy an Iarnród Éireann officer can exercise is to remove the passenger from the railway (with the assistance if necessary of a Garda). (This is similar to byelaw 17 in the UK.)

Section 132 of Ireland's Railway Safety Act 2005, which is almost directly copied from section 5 of the Regulation of Railways Act 1889, creates fare evasion offences for those who have boarded trains without a ticket, who overtravel, or who fail to give name and address when required. Section 133 creates penalty fares (fixed payment notices) of €100.

Overall, the legal ability for IÉ as an operator to prosecute passengers is weaker than that of a Train Operating Company in England and Wales. Irish law contains no strict liability offence of boarding without a ticket similar to the UK's byelaw 18, and for a prosecution to take place, intent must be proven. On the other hand, IÉ's fixed payment notices system has far fewer checks and balances than the England/Wales Penalty Fares scheme, with no signage requirements, rules about what the notice must contain, or appeals procedure. Indeed, the IÉ website only contains explanation of how to pay an FPN, with no mention of or option to dispute or make representations. An unpaid FPN cannot be pursued as a civil debt in Ireland; IÉ would need to take a prosecution in the District Court under section 132 RSA 2005 and prove intent to avoid the fare.

We can fine or remove someone for being on the platform without a ticket.
Whether the station has a barrier or not, you must be in possession of a valid ticket. Common sense is required at some locations as the railway footbridge might be the only way to cross from one community to another.
IE take thousands to court every year in the District Courts. All offences like this are Criminal offences in Ireland so can only be delt with by the criminal courts.
Prosecution is under s132 (2a) RSA 2005 (failure to produce or deliver up a valid ticket when requested). This also applies to people on platforms.
No need to prove intent to fare evade unless repeat offender.
Failure to provide details or provide details that are false or misleading (s129 RSA 2005) is again a criminal offence. One for which we call the Garda.

We can also issue fines for smoking/vaping, tresspass, threatening and abusive behaviour, cycling on platforms, feet on seats, prohibited items on-board trains... there is a long list. Result of not having a dedicated transport police.

Irishrail will take everyone to court if a FPN isn't successfully appealed or paid.
If you are ever in Dublin, go to District Court 8 (4 Courts Building) 10.30 am on the second Monday of each month.

 

[island]

We can fine or remove someone for being on the platform without a ticket.

Remove yes. Right to fine would depend on them being classed as a trespasser under s59 Transport Act which is a higher bar than being on the platform without a ticket, as long as the person has a halfway plausible reason to be on the station and has not been told to leave by an authorised person they are not trespassing.

Whether the station has a barrier or not, you must be in possession of a valid ticket.

As above.

Common sense is required at some locations as the railway footbridge might be the only way to cross from one community to another.
IE take thousands to court every year in the District Courts. All offences like this are Criminal offences in Ireland so can only be delt with by the criminal courts.

Agreed.

Prosecution is under s132 (2a) RSA 2005 (failure to produce or deliver up a valid ticket when requested).

This is the equivalent of section 5 (1) of the Regulation of Railways Act 1889 and has been the subject of extensive debate elsewhere on the forum which I will not repeat.

This also applies to people on platforms.

No basis in law. S132 only applies to passengers as above. For platforms you would need to use s59 which as above depends on the person being a trespasser.

No need to prove intent to fare evade unless repeat offender.

For S132 (2) there is no need to prove intent, but for subsection (3) there is. However a subsection 2 offence is only committed if the "three fails" occur: fail to deliver up ticket, fail to pay, fail to give name/address.

Failure to provide details or provide details that are false or misleading (s129 RSA 2005) is again a criminal offence. One for which we call the Garda.

We can also issue fines for smoking/vaping, tresspass, threatening and abusive behaviour, cycling on platforms, feet on seats, prohibited items on-board trains... there is a long list. Result of not having a dedicated transport police.

Yes, there's a long list in s133 RSA. Depends on you getting a person's accurate details of course and it may be a offence to give false details but you have no power to make them produce ID or detain them while you check.

irishrail will take everyone to court if a FPN isn't successfully appealed or paid.
If you are ever in Dublin, go to District Court 8 (4 Courts Building) 10.30 am on the second Monday of each month.

I've been to a railway prosecution day, 90%+ of defendants don't show up and are convicted in absentia. The few who do show up are mainly compromised, dismissed, or given probation act. And this is the bottom line – when the defendant doesn't contest a routine case there is very limited enquiry made into whether the case is competent. Section 5 (1) in the UK, the equivalent of section 132 (2) in Ireland, got tested in a higher court last year and tens of thousands of cases were found to be incompetent, albeit for different reasons. The same may well happen someday in Ireland.

 

[dubscottie]

Remove yes. Right to fine would depend on them being classed as a trespasser under s59 Transport Act which is a higher bar than being on the platform without a ticket, as long as the person has a halfway plausible reason to be on the station and has not been told to leave by an authorised person they are not trespassing.

As above.

Agreed.

This is the equivalent of section 5 (1) of the Regulation of Railways Act 1889 and has been the subject of extensive debate elsewhere on the forum which I will not repeat.

No basis in law. S132 only applies to passengers as above. For platforms you would need to use s59 which as above depends on the person being a trespasser.

For S132 (2) there is no need to prove intent, but for subsection (3) there is. However a subsection 2 offence is only committed if the "three fails" occur: fail to deliver up ticket, fail to pay, fail to give name/address.

Yes, there's a long list in s133 RSA. Depends on you getting a person's accurate details of course and it may be a offence to give false details but you have no power to make them produce ID or detain them while you check.

I've been to a railway prosecution day, 90%+ of defendants don't show up and are convicted in absentia. The few who do show up are mainly compromised, dismissed, or given probation act. And this is the bottom line – when the defendant doesn't contest a routine case there is very limited enquiry made into whether the case is competent. Section 5 (1) in the UK, the equivalent of section 132 (2) in Ireland, got tested in a higher court last year and tens of thousands of cases were found to be incompetent, albeit for different reasons. The same may well happen someday in Ireland.

Different Irish Acts you reffer to are now combined under the Railway Safety Act 2005.
The old CIE bye-laws still exist but IE use either them or the RSA depending how far it goes.
Any passenger on a platform without a ticket is liable for a fine. s59 trespass does not apply. Common law trespass does however.
Failure to produce a valid ticket also applies to adults with child tickets, leap cards etc.
We could have limited powers (in the RSA) to detain people but never use it as the chain of custody was a pain in the rear.
We carry warrant cards endorsed by the District Court.
Under the RSA we are "Authorised Officers".
Anyone that claims not to have ID is warned. We do regular spot checks with AGS and always catch the ones that might give false addresses etc. All the old FPNs get pulled up.
One guy ended up with €24,000 in unpaid COURT fines as a result and had a bench warrant issued.
Cannot compare UK law to Ireland. Original railway law may be very similar, but fare evasion etc is different now with new technology.

*Most* passengers don’t, because most rail journeys are on trains where this isn’t an option.

Ask yourself how many tickets are sold on board Southeastern services (some of course are sold entirely legitimately), and how many people buy before boarding - buying on board must in fact be a tiny minority of sales.

Here in Ireland, we have the Leap card. Catch loads of people that "tag on" with Dublin bus, Luas (trams) but never Irishrail.
Why? They think they will never get caught on the train.
They have to tag on the bus, the LUAS RPU will catch them in the streets if they are on a tram.
But we are fair game? Can you tag me on now? Nope. You should have done that earlier.

 

[dubscottie]

They're not. The original acts are still in full force and effect. The RSA contains some cleaner powers but s133 makes clear that fines are issued for offences under the TA 1950 and TMPA 1971.

No matter how many times you continue to assert this, it has zero basis in law and any charge in court for this would be torn to shreds by a competent defence solicitor. Irish law does not provide for compulsory ticket holding on platforms.

It's up to IÉ whether it wants to apply it.

Same as UK.

No basis in law for District Court endorsement. Warrant cards are to be issued by CIÉ and are only valid if they say you have received training and instruction to guide you in how to exercise your power. (s129 RSA 2005)

Fat lot of good that'll do.

Things do catch up with people sometimes.

I presume you don't work in Ireland.
I keep asserting the point because I know it is fact.
Multiple cases taken to court for persons on platforms without tickets. Lawyer involved and still lost. You walk past a TVM, Leap pole etc and onto the platform, you are on the platform without a ticket. "I was looking my friend", I wondered when the next train was" etc. All fake excuses because they got caught trying to travel for free.
CIE only exists as a holding company nowadays. Some functions (like prosecution) fall under their umbrella but the laws are now very different between IE, DB etc

Regarding passengers that have bought a ticket from the guard, would it be reasonable for a revenue inspector to give them a penalty fare later in the journey?

We would never do it in Ireland provided the ticket bought onboard covered them at the point we ask them for it and they have any supporting pass etc if its discounted.

That’s all very good about giving grace or is it just coincidence when a ticket inspector enters a carriage and calls for tickets then as he walks through scans a ticket that’s just been purchased after hearing the ticket man coming A. Was it coincidence the ticket was just brought B. Would it have been purchased at all if they didn’t hear or see him coming or was no inspector at all? Answers please.

Similar was brought up in court here. FPN issued to person that boarded over an hour before Inspectors got on train. Person only then decided to start buying one online.
Judge asked and was informed.
Agreed that if people could self buy (online) onboard or tag onboard, they would only do do if Inspectors boarded. Fare evasion would increase.

 

[tspaul26]

I keep asserting the point because I know it is fact.

Please cite the specific legislation which imposes an obligation to pay a penalty for being present on a platform without a ticket.

 

[Tetragon213]

Please cite the specific legislation which imposes an obligation to pay a penalty for being present on a platform without a ticket.

Considering the existence of platform tickets, does this not imply a certain degree of restriction against being railside without a ticket?

 

[saismee]

Considering the existence of platform tickets, does this not imply a certain degree of restriction against being railside without a ticket?

Do they exist in Ireland? Are they available at stations without staff and barriers? Most stations in the UK will let people onto the platform to see a friend/use the toilet/buy something/film without a platform ticket. TVMs don't even sell platform tickets.

 

[dubscottie]

Please cite the specific legislation which imposes an obligation to pay a penalty for being present on a platform without a ticket.

SI No 109/1984. Section 3 (1). Leap tag on poles are considered "barriers". You have to pass a barrier, TVM or Leap pole to enter the platform.
As I said, common sense applies at certain locations. People might use the railway footbridge as level crossing gates are closed etc.
One paticular station in Dublin is an absolute nightmare for this as a entrance/exit is provided for staff of a business that use the train ONLY. Doesn't stop others using the station as a shortcut. Fined.

 

[dubscottie]

Do they exist in Ireland? Are they available at stations without staff and barriers? Most stations in the UK will let people onto the platform to see a friend/use the toilet/buy something/film without a platform ticket. TVMs don't even sell platform tickets.

Platform tickets do not exist in Ireland. In fairness, the regular guys (and gals) that go out filming trains always tag on their Leap cards and just tag off when they leave to get their money back.

 

[dubscottie]

In Ireland, As per my most recent post and other posts, S132 (2a) Railway Safety Act 2005. You are on Railway premises without a ticket.
The legislation already has been posted.
The Conditions of Carriage also apply.
You can go round in circles.
Public liability insurance is an issue. No ticket, no cliam.
RPU in Ireland can, and do fine people without a valid ticket on platforms.
In Ireland, it is up to each Inspector as to when a FPN should be issued and there is a office that will look at all evidence before it goes to court.
Ultimately the Inspector has to justify the FPN to a judge in court.

 

[tspaul26]

In Ireland, As per my most recent post and other posts, S132 (2a) Railway Safety Act 2005. You are on Railway premises without a ticket.
The legislation already has been posted.
The Conditions of Carriage also apply.
You can go round in circles.
Public liability insurance is an issue. No ticket, no cliam.
RPU in Ireland can, and do fine people without a valid ticket on platforms.
In Ireland, it is up to each Inspector as to when a FPN should be issued and there is a office that will look at all evidence before it goes to court.
Ultimately the Inspector has to justify the FPN to a judge in court.

Assuming that you are referring to the following:

(2) A passenger who fails—
	(a) to comply with a request under subsection (1) to deliver up a ticket, … is guilty of an offence.

This applies (on its face) only to a passenger. It says nothing about a person who is merely present on a platform (or other railway premises).

Accordingly, it provides no legal basis for the issue of a fixed payment notice for the mere presence of a person on a platform without a ticket.

Similarly, your earlier reference to Byelaw 3(1) is also irrelevant because it is not a penal provision and, consequently, a breach thereof cannot form the legal basis for a fixed payment notice to be issued.

Your reference to public liability insurance is legally irrelevant.

Is there anything else in terms of a putative legal basis for your behaviour in such circumstances?

 

[dubscottie]

Assuming that you are referring to the following:

(2) A passenger who fails—
	(a) to comply with a request under subsection (1) to deliver up a ticket, … is guilty of an offence.

This applies (on its face) only to a passenger. It says nothing about a person who is merely present on a platform (or other railway premises).

Accordingly, it provides no legal basis for the issue of a fixed payment notice for the mere presence of a person on a platform without a ticket.

Similarly, your earlier reference to Byelaw 3(1) is also irrelevant because it is not a penal provision and, consequently, a breach thereof cannot form the legal basis for a fixed payment notice to be issued.

Your reference to public liability insurance is legally irrelevant.

Is there anything else in terms of a putative legal basis for your behaviour in such circumstances?

Seriously.. Your not in Ireland. If you were practicing law here, you would know that.
Its incorporated into current Law.
Monday morning, Irishrail are in court. Come along and watch.
I am aware its a site that can be viewed by all ages, so I avoided the usual short.
Monday is find out stage for those that thought we were joking.

 

[tspaul26]

Seriously.. Your not in Ireland. If you were practicing law here, you would know that.

I might not be physically in southern Ireland, but I am nevertheless more than capable and qualified to read and interpret legal materials.

It’s incorporated into current Law.

Current law that you have been repeatedly unable to identify.

Monday morning, Irishrail are in court. Come along and watch.

I’m almost morbidly tempted to attend a listing just to see such goings on.

I am aware it’s a site that can be viewed by all ages, so I avoided the usual short.

Yes, I had noticed that you had edited out your little insult from your earlier post. If you act in such an unprofessional manner in your work then that would rather suggest that you are not well suited for a public facing role involving potential conflict.

Monday is find out stage for those that thought we were joking.

I have no notion that you are joking. That is the problem: rather than joking you appear to be acting unlawfully in this particular situation if you are issuing fixed payment notices merely because someone is present on a platform.

And if prosecutions are then being brought there appears to be no offence known to the law in that regard either - you have certainly not identified one thus far.

 

[dubscottie]

And if prosecutions are then being brought there appears to be no offence known to the law in that regard either - you have certainly not identified one thus far.

As already posted, S132 (2a) RSA 2005. I attached the bye-laws in another post. If you walk past barrier, tag on pole etc (ie onto the platform) you need a ticket.
Its simple.

 

[sheff1]

As already posted, S132 (2a) RSA 2005. I attached the bye-laws in another post. If you walk past barrier, tag on pole etc (ie onto the platform) you need a ticket.
Its simple.

I walked onto the platform at Farranfore. There was no barrier. No idea what a “tag on pole” might be and could see no mention of such a thing in the links you provided.

 

[dubscottie]

Farranfore, given its location, would be a location where discretion is required.
"Barrier" now refers to a physical barrier, Ticket vending machine or Leap card tag on pole/point. Ie "fare point".


But in theory, you could be fined there if you were on the platform and couldn't produce a ticket when requested.

Multiple locations have notices up now that make it clear "You must be in possession of a valid ticket to pass this point". I am on annual leave but will take a picture of these notices on my return.

There is a section in the Irish Rail conditions of carriage that covers any changes to policy. A notice goes up and by default, it becomes a fineable offence.
Alcohol on certian trains for example and more recently, the ban on E-scooters.
While its not written into law that E-scooters are illegal, the company has notified passengers that they are not permitted and it automatically becomes a bye-law offence.

Liability insurance is also an issue. A passenger that injured themselves during the Bray airshow detraining incident lost their claim for damages as they didn't have a valid ticket at the time.

Remove yes. Right to fine would depend on them being classed as a trespasser under s59 Transport Act which is a higher bar than being on the platform without a ticket, as long as the person has a halfway plausible reason to be on the station and has not been told to leave by an authorised person they are not trespassing.

As above.

Agreed.

This is the equivalent of section 5 (1) of the

I might not be physically in southern Ireland

Legal Eagle that doesn't know the difference between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Southern Ireland is not a thing. We are a country with our own laws.

 

[Turtle]

Farranfore, given its location, would be a location where discretion is required.
"Barrier" now refers to a physical barrier, Ticket vending machine or Leap card tag on pole/point. Ie "fare point".


But in theory, you could be fined there if you were on the platform and couldn't produce a ticket when requested.

Multiple locations have notices up now that make it clear "You must be in possession of a valid ticket to pass this point". I am on annual leave but will take a picture of these notices on my return.

There is a section in the Irish Rail conditions of carriage that covers any changes to policy. A notice goes up and by default, it becomes a fineable offence.
Alcohol on certian trains for example and more recently, the ban on E-scooters.
While its not written into law that E-scooters are illegal, the company has notified passengers that they are not permitted and it automatically becomes a bye-law offence.

Liability insurance is also an issue. A passenger that injured themselves during the Bray airshow detraining incident lost their claim for damages as they didn't have a valid ticket at the time.




Legal Eagle that doesn't know the difference between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Southern Ireland is not a thing. We are a country with our own laws.

Indeed. Southern Ireland was a short lived state entity created by the Government of Ireland Act, 1920. It only existed 1921-22 and never actually functioned.

 

[island]

"Barrier" now refers to a physical barrier, Ticket vending machine or Leap card tag on pole/point. Ie "fare point".


But in theory, you could be fined there if you were on the platform and couldn't produce a ticket when requested.

Multiple locations have notices up now that make it clear "You must be in possession of a valid ticket to pass this point". I am on annual leave but will take a picture of these notices on my return.

There is a section in the Irish Rail conditions of carriage that covers any changes to policy. A notice goes up and by default, it becomes a fineable offence.
Alcohol on certian trains for example and more recently, the ban on E-scooters.
While its not written into law that E-scooters are illegal, the company has notified passengers that they are not permitted and it automatically becomes a bye-law offence.

You seem to be under a misconception that IÉ can change the law of the State, such as by declaring that a ticket machine is a barrier, putting up notices, or making changes to the conditions of carriage. Article 15.2.1 of the Constitution makes it clear that it cannot.

 

[nanstallon]

As already posted, S132 (2a) RSA 2005. I attached the bye-laws in another post. If you walk past barrier, tag on pole etc (ie onto the platform) you need a ticket.
Its simple.

A bit tight, isn't it? An enthusiast goes onto the platform to take a photo of a train, or just the station building, then goes onto the other platform to catch a train going the other way. He/she is guilty of an offence? I suppose so, but it is all a bit totalitarian.

 

[dubscottie]

A bit tight, isn't it? An enthusiast goes onto the platform to take a photo of a train, or just the station building, then goes onto the other platform to catch a train going the other way. He/she is guilty of an offence? I suppose so, but it is all a bit totalitarian.

Yes they are. Discretion is required.
EDIT- Just reread your post. No. If in your scenario, a person had a ticket going northbound but was asked to produce it on the southbound platform, a fine wouldn't be issued. They have a ticket.

 

[yorksrob]

I'd like to see them enforce such a ban at the likes of Doleham or Battersby Junction.

 

[dubscottie]

On Irishrail barriers. Open stations are getting "valid ticket needed beyond this point" but there was an issue with the message in Irish so are being updated.

 

[Bungle965]

On Irishrail barriers. Open stations are getting "valid ticket needed beyond this point" but there was an issue with the message in Irish so are being updated.

Always interesting to hear from fellow rail staff across the water, we had a trip there a few months ago and stayed near Sydney Parade and took the train into Dublin.
We have PRIV/FIP and wondered what we should have done as there was barriers but they appeared to be permanently open and no real sign of a ticket office. In the end we got on the train and spoke to the person at the barrier the other end who led us to the ticket office and we bought 3 day returns on the days that we were there.
The DART does appear to be an awkward one for us rail staff to sort, especially if not travelling into Dublin itself.

 

[dubscottie]

Always interesting to hear from fellow rail staff across the water, we had a trip there a few months ago and stayed near Sydney Parade and took the train into Dublin.
We have PRIV/FIP and wondered what we should have done as there was barriers but they appeared to be permanently open and no real sign of a ticket office. In the end we got on the train and spoke to the person at the barrier the other end who led us to the ticket office and we bought 3 day returns on the days that we were there.
The DART does appear to be an awkward one for us rail staff to sort, especially if not travelling into Dublin itself.

As RPU, board the train and show us your Priv/FIP if asked and we will advise you accordingly. We wouldn't fine you on Dublin commuter or Darts.
You can buy a Priv ticket onboard Intercity trains but in most cases, check online fares first.

You seem to be under a misconception that IÉ can change the law of the State, such as by declaring that a ticket machine is a barrier, putting up notices, or making changes to the conditions of carriage. Article 15.2.1 of the Constitution makes it clear that it cannot.

Its a condition of carriage. No alcohol on match days is advertised, bye-law 18.
No e-scooters. Advertised. Bye-law 18 for example.
The "company " can alter its conditions just like any other business.
If you are resorting to the Irish constitution, and as a "lawyer", you should know the difference between public property and private property that is accessible to the public.

 

[dubscottie]

That is one of the few remaining notices. New ones coming in both Irish and English

 

[Mark J]

The problem with that also requires the barriers to be manned at all times.

There have been a few occasions at Reading whereby the local down and outs venture into the station, when the barriers are left wide open. Usually on a Sunday evening.

They then proceed to venture down to platform level, to harass people for money as soon as they step off the train.

There is a reason why I leave Reading Station by the far exit, near the Rail Air lounge. It is to avoid these same old faces whom lurk around the front of the station. They are not homeless, just predators after your money for whatever habit they have.

I certainly don't appreciate being harassed by them in what I consider to be a 'safe space', inside the actual station.

What I would like to know is why BTP are nowhere to be seen. Considering there is an actual manned BTP office at Reading.

 

[yorksrob]

I can think of a lot better, more passenger friendly ideas we could adopt from our European neighbours than this.