Tory Mayoral Candidate Proposes Paying Londoners to Report Fare Dodgers

A Conservative candidate for Mayor of London, Alex Challoner, has put forward a proposal to pay Londoners who report persistent fare dodgers. Mr Challoner, a businessman and one of three candidates seeking the Conservative nomination for the 2028 mayoral election, suggests that individuals who provide information leading to the recovery of fines from serial fare evaders should receive 25% of the recovered amount. This initiative aims to address what he describes as a costly practice that affects honest commuters.

Mr Challoner stated that the current system under Mayor Sadiq Khan leaves passengers feeling that nothing is done when they witness fare evasion. He plans to introduce a simple reporting tool within the TfL Go app and online, which would immediately alert gate staff and British Transport Police officers. According to Mr Challoner, this would empower ordinary Londoners to assist in catching offenders and be rewarded for their efforts. He envisions a scenario where fare dodgers are held accountable and paying passengers are recognised for their cooperation.

Increased Police Funding Proposed

To support his plan, Mr Challoner is advocating for Transport for London (TfL) to double its funding for the British Transport Police. This increased investment would be directed towards hiring an additional 900 officers specifically tasked with monitoring ticket gates. Fare evasion is currently estimated to cost TfL around £190 million each year. While tackling fare evasion is a central theme of Mr Challoner's campaign, he has also put forward other policy ideas, including reducing VAT on gym memberships to address men's mental health and removing VAT from independent brewers in the capital.

Mr Challoner is competing for the Conservative mayoral nomination against former Home and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Westminster City Councillor Festus Akinbusoye. Candidates had until September 30 to enter the race. A selection panel will review the applications to narrow down the field to two finalists, with party members set to elect their preferred candidate before the end of the year.