Crackdown on fare dodgers welcomed

11:01am Tuesday 24th April 2007

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FARE DODGERS and yobs are being targeted at Thurrock railway stations.

Chafford Hundred and Grays stations have been targeted under Operation Effective, which involves both the police and rail operator c2c.

In a two-hour blitz, train users were stopped and searched and more than 20 people were caught dodging their fares.

A c2c spokesman said: "We are pleased with these results.

"We are totally committed to ensuring all passengers pay the correct amount when using c2c.

"This is part of the campaign to ensure illegal activity in any shape or form is not tolerated on our trains.

"We want to ensure a better quality of service and experience for all rail users."

Commuters expressed general approval of the crackdown. Roy Bryton, 56, from Stanford-le-Hope said. "It's about time something like this was done.

"Why should I pay and not others?

"I also applaud the clampdown on violence. I travel home late from Fenchurch and appreciate the diligence of c2c and the police."

James Wing, 17, from Upminster, said: "I suppose it's good to see them stopping people, but they do seem to be picking on young people.

"I've been stopped three times this week."

Last year, Operation Effective saw 20 commuters arrested, 4,000 people stopped, searched or scanned and £8,000 collected by c2c in fare evasion penalties.

Thurrock District Commander Alan Cotgrove said: "In many ways this is a hark back to traditional borough policing where you warn people to obey the law when they come into your patch.

"We want to ensure the safety of the public and continue to exert a zero tolerance approach."