Misuse freedom pass

[Lala15]

Hello everyone,
This is embarrassing on my part and i have no intention of denying it. Last February 6,2026- i used my mother in law’s freedom pass and was caught in Liverpool st after meeting a friend.
Back story; i was unwell for almost 2 weeks and no work, no enough money. I used the last money i have in my account to buy a medicine i need to take that day.
Yesterday i received a letter from tfl. This is my first time receiving a letter from tfl. Please know that my intention is to admit it. What will going to happen next?
Thank you in advance.

 

[z444z]

TfL take misuse of high value passes extremely seriously and unless you can present them with mitigating circumstances in line with section 8.2 of their prosecutions policy (available online, do read it!) you will be prosecuted and likely convicted. We generally only see mitigation succeed (resulting in a warning letter being issued) when a specialist solicitor is used but if that is impossible for you to afford then it may be possible to succeed writing a letter yourself.

The outcome of the conviction would be a (fairly minor) criminal record and a fine and costs to pay. Simple cases can be dealt with entirely by post through the single justice procedure, but if you’ve used the pass multiple times they may ask for those offences to be taken into consideration which can only be done at an in person hearing. Offences taken into consideration will increase the fine given (as I understand it, it might be a bit more complex than that but that’s basically how it works) but not by as much as if they were prosecuted separately, and it means everything is dealt with all at once.

Once you reply to the letter you’ve received, the next correspondence (other than an acknowledgement of your response) will likely either be court summons, a single justice procedure notice requiring you to enter a plea, or a warning letter.

Happy to answer any further questions, feel free to ask!

 

[Haywain]

i used my mother in law’s freedom pass

How many times have you used it before being caught?

 

[Lala15]

TfL take misuse of high value passes extremely seriously and unless you can present them with mitigating circumstances in line with section 8.2 of their prosecutions policy (available online, do read it!) you will be prosecuted and likely convicted. We generally only see mitigation succeed (resulting in a warning letter being issued) when a specialist solicitor is used but if that is impossible for you to afford then it may be possible to succeed writing a letter yourself.

The outcome of the conviction would be a (fairly minor) criminal record and a fine and costs to pay. Simple cases can be dealt with entirely by post through the single justice procedure, but if you’ve used the pass multiple times they may ask for those offences to be taken into consideration which can only be done at an in person hearing. Offences taken into consideration will increase the fine given (as I understand it, it might be a bit more complex than that but that’s basically how it works) but not by as much as if they were prosecuted separately, and it means everything is dealt with all at once.

Once you reply to the letter you’ve received, the next correspondence (other than an acknowledgement of your response) will likely either be court summons, a single justice procedure notice requiring you to enter a plea, or a warning letter.

Happy to answer any further questions, feel free to ask!

hi,
thank you so much for the time replying to me. I have been really stressed about it and really embarrassed of what I did. what will gonna happen if I will be procured or convicted? am I going to prison? I have never been in this kind of situation before that is why I don't really know what to do. I am planning to write them a letter tonight.

 

[Lala15]

How many times have you used it before being caught?

I used it couple of times specially when I don't have enough money. it has been a rough times since last month. not using it as an excuse but it is. will they investigate it?

 

[bb21]

Since late month? Almost certainly yes.

 

[Lala15]

Since late month? Almost certainly yes.

They will see the times has been used of they will investigate it. I am writing an email to them now.

 

[z444z]

They will see the times has been used of they will investigate it. I am writing an email to them now.

This may not be in your best interests. Who are you planning to email and saying what?

 

[AlterEgo]

They will see the times has been used of they will investigate it. I am writing an email to them now.

Saying what? Don't incriminate yourself further.

 

[Lala15]

Saying what? Don't incriminate yourself further.

I will post here my letter to the tel, accepting my mistake and offering an apology for what I did.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Feb 2026 ==

This may not be in your best interests. Who are you planning to email and saying what?

I need to reply to the letter they have sent me and I can reply via email or post.

 

[z444z]

Ok. Please do have us check anything you plan to send before you send it.

 

[Spaceship323]

Only mention the time you were stopped, it would help if you posted a draft for approval before sending

 

[Lala15]

This is the draft letter I am planning to send them . Please help me with this if it’s correct or not.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Feb 2026 ==

Ok. Please do have us check anything you plan to send before you send it.

This is the draft letter i made. Please help me correct it

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Feb 2026 ==

Ok. Please do have us check anything you plan to send before you send it.

This is the letter i am planning to send them.

 

[AlterEgo]

You can't say you "now realise this was a breach of the rules" - you knew that anyway. So take that out. Don't mention that you will take "precautions" in future - like what? This didn't happen because you didn't take precautions and once they audit the pass they will find out the other offences you haven't mentioned, so you cannot pass this off as a careless mistake.

As you don't have any mitigation under TfL's prosecutions policy (https://content.tfl.gov.uk/revenue-enforcement-and-prosecutions-policy.pdf) you will be prosecuted in the magistrates' court in the same way 10,000 to 20,000 people are every year for this offence. Abusing Freedom Passes is the most serious sort of ticket irregularity TfL deal with and the default is to prosecute. This happens in nearly every case. The result will be:

- A fine based on your income (the sentence for the offence and discounted by a third if you plead guilty at the first opportunity)
- A surcharge of 40% of the value of the fine
- A contribution towards TfL's costs
- Compensation for the fare avoided
- A criminal record which is spent after a year (the charity Unlock will help you navigate the consequences of your conviction)

If they prosecute you just for one offence this will be dealt with on paper and you will not need to attend court. If they decide to prosecute for multiple offences, you will be summonsed to attend and have the other offences taken into consideration as part of the court's sentence.

 

[Lala15]

You can't say you "now realise this was a breach of the rules" - you knew that anyway. So take that out. Don't mention that you will take "precautions" in future - like what? This didn't happen because you didn't take precautions and once they audit the pass they will find out the other offences you haven't mentioned, so you cannot pass this off as a careless mistake.

As you don't have any mitigation under TfL's prosecutions policy (https://content.tfl.gov.uk/revenue-enforcement-and-prosecutions-policy.pdf) you will be prosecuted in the magistrates' court in the same way 10,000 to 20,000 people are every year for this offence. Abusing Freedom Passes is the most serious sort of ticket irregularity TfL deal with and the default is to prosecute. This happens in nearly every case. The result will be:

- A fine based on your income (the sentence for the offence and discounted by a third if you plead guilty at the first opportunity)
- A surcharge of 40% of the value of the fine
- A contribution towards TfL's costs
- Compensation for the fare avoided
- A criminal record which is spent after a year (the charity Unlock will help you navigate the consequences of your conviction)

If they prosecute you just for one offence this will be dealt with on paper and you will not need to attend court. If they decide to prosecute for multiple offences, you will be summonsed to attend and have the other offences taken into consideration as part of the court's sentence.

thank you for your response. I will take out what you told me.

if I will be convicted or prosecuted, am I going to prison?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Feb 2026 ==

Ok. Please do have us check anything you plan to send before you send it.

I send it to you already. can you help me with it please.

 

[skyhigh]

if I will be convicted or prosecuted, am I going to prison?

You will definitely not be going to prison.

 

[Lala15]

You will definitely not be going to prison.

what likely to be happen? I have been really stressed about what I did. I have been very anxious and couldn't not sleep well lately due to it.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Feb 2026 ==

thank you for your response. I will take out what you told me.

if I will be convicted or prosecuted, am I going to prison?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Feb 2026 ==


I send it to you already. can you help me with it please.

can I send the letter thru email now? I will post a cop[y of it tomorrow

 

[Spaceship323]

what likely to be happen? I have been really stressed about what I did. I have been very anxious and couldn't not sleep well lately due to it.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Feb 2026 ==


can I send the letter thru email now? I will post a cop[y of it tomorrow

AlterEgo outlined what will happen in post #14, that is tfl's policy and the usual result that we see

 

[Lala15]

AlterEgo outlined what will happen in post #14, that is tfl's policy and the usual result that we see

can I send the letter now then?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Feb 2026 ==

what will happen after I send them the letter?next step?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Feb 2026 ==

You can't say you "now realise this was a breach of the rules" - you knew that anyway. So take that out. Don't mention that you will take "precautions" in future - like what? This didn't happen because you didn't take precautions and once they audit the pass they will find out the other offences you haven't mentioned, so you cannot pass this off as a careless mistake.

As you don't have any mitigation under TfL's prosecutions policy (https://content.tfl.gov.uk/revenue-enforcement-and-prosecutions-policy.pdf) you will be prosecuted in the magistrates' court in the same way 10,000 to 20,000 people are every year for this offence. Abusing Freedom Passes is the most serious sort of ticket irregularity TfL deal with and the default is to prosecute. This happens in nearly every case. The result will be:

- A fine based on your income (the sentence for the offence and discounted by a third if you plead guilty at the first opportunity)
- A surcharge of 40% of the value of the fine
- A contribution towards TfL's costs
- Compensation for the fare avoided
- A criminal record which is spent after a year (the charity Unlock will help you navigate the consequences of your conviction)

If they prosecute you just for one offence this will be dealt with on paper and you will not need to attend court. If they decide to prosecute for multiple offences, you will be summonsed to attend and have the other offences taken into consideration as part of the court's sentence.

How long the case will be?

 

[AlterEgo]

what will happen after I send them the letter?next step?

The next step will either be a letter giving a written warning (rare) or court paperwork for prosecution (the usual outcome).

How long the case will be?

It will be over in a single day. If and when you get a summons or requisition, head back here for help in how to respond to it.

 

[Lala15]

The next step will either be a letter giving a written warning (rare) or court paperwork for prosecution (the usual outcome).


It will be over in a single day. If and when you get a summons or requisition, head back here for help in how to respond to it.

Thank you very much. I will send the email now and post the paper tomorrow.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Feb 2026 ==

The next step will either be a letter giving a written warning (rare) or court paperwork for prosecution (the usual outcome).


It will be over in a single day. If and when you get a summons or requisition, head back here for help in how to respond to it.

I will do so. Everyone here has been really supportive and helpful. I am greatly to you all.

 

[WesternLancer]

hi,
thank you so much for the time replying to me. I have been really stressed about it and really embarrassed of what I did. what will gonna happen if I will be procured or convicted? am I going to prison? I have never been in this kind of situation before that is why I don't really know what to do. I am planning to write them a letter tonight.

If you read this thread through to the end you will get a good idea of what’s going to happen because the person concerned was taken to court and had to attend and took the time to come back here and report what happened.

If you read it all through carefully it will help you prepare and understand what is likely to happen. Hopefully it will be of help to you.

Depending on how they deal with it you may not actually have to go to court in person but no way of knowing that yet.

As things progress you can ask questions here about it and people will explain things to you to help you decide what to do at each stage.

Freedom pass misuse- requisition to attend court

Hello, I was caught for using my brother's freedom pass at Leicester Square last year on the 2rd of July. I have since then received a letter from TFL asking for my side of the story and now a letter of requisition to attend court. I am pleading guilty as I did use the pass on multiple occasions...

www.railforums.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Feb 2026 ==

The most likely outcome of what you have been caught for is:

- A fine from the court (this is the punishment for what you did)
- having to pay TfL what you owe them for the fares you dodged plus their costs of dealing with this.
- a criminal record for what is generally considered a fairly low level offence (a criminal record is a record of people who are found guilty of a crime and dodging fares is a crime).

I know this probably is not what you want to hear but it should help you know what to expect.

You will not be going to prison.

 

[Lala15]

If you read this thread through to the end you will get a good idea of what’s going to happen because the person concerned was taken to court and had to attend and took the time to come back here and report what happened.

If you read it all through carefully it will help you prepare and understand what is likely to happen. Hopefully it will be of help to you.

Depending on how they deal with it you may not actually have to go to court in person but no way of knowing that yet.

As things progress you can ask questions here about it and people will explain things to you to help you decide what to do at each stage.

Freedom pass misuse- requisition to attend court

Hello, I was caught for using my brother's freedom pass at Leicester Square last year on the 2rd of July. I have since then received a letter from TFL asking for my side of the story and now a letter of requisition to attend court. I am pleading guilty as I did use the pass on multiple occasions...

www.railforums.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Feb 2026 ==

The most likely outcome of what you have been caught for is:

- A fine from the court (this is the punishment for what you did)
- having to pay TfL what you owe them for the fares you dodged plus their costs of dealing with this.
- a criminal record for what is generally considered a fairly low level offence (a criminal record is a record of people who are found guilty of a crime and dodging fares is a crime).

I know this probably is not what you want to hear but it should help you know what to expect.

You will not be going to prison.

Hi,
Thank you for stitching the other thread. It is really a nerve wrecking situation and i hardly ever sleep the past few days. If i will be convicted, will i be able to travel and come back to the UK with a criminal record? I have a holiday coming up to attend my daughter’s graduation next month and i haven’t seen her for years. I am worried if it i will not be able to travel

 

[furlong]

I have a holiday coming up to attend my daughter’s graduation next month and i haven’t seen her for years. I am worried if it i will not be able to travel

When you respond, you should inform them of the dates you are planning to be out of the country and the reason. They will normally do their best to avoid interfering with such plans. (I.e. if you're required to attend court, they'll try to choose a date before or after - but they can only take such plans into account if they know about them!)

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi,
Thank you for stitching the other thread. It is really a nerve wrecking situation and i hardly ever sleep the past few days. If i will be convicted, will i be able to travel and come back to the UK with a criminal record? I have a holiday coming up to attend my daughter’s graduation next month and i haven’t seen her for years. I am worried if it i will not be able to travel

Unfortunately this sort of thing will be stressful. Sadly that's one of the consequences of doing things that are illegal I suppose.

I am no expert on how people would be treated at the UK border, but I don't think I have heard of anyone being refused re-entry to the UK for having a conviction for fare evasion. Perhaps it depends on the status you are in the UK to start with (eg British Citizen or not).

Others here will correct me if I am wrong but I suspect fare evasion convictions are not very different from convictions for road traffic / driving offences.

TfL take hundreds of people to court for fare evasion - realistically there will be lots of people who have court convictions for this sort of thing.

The other aspect of your plans to go abroad will relate to the rules on something like this that the place you are going to might apply to your permission to enter their country. Which country are you goign to for your daufhter's graduation? Do you require a VISA to go there? You should look up what that country says about visitors and anything they declare before travelling to their country.

There looks to be some useful information bout travel on the website provided by this charity which you might want to look over in due course.

Travel - Unlock

unlock.org.uk

 

[Lala15]

Unfortunately this sort of thing will be stressful. Sadly that's one of the consequences of doing things that are illegal I suppose.

I am no expert on how people would be treated at the UK border, but I don't think I have heard of anyone being refused re-entry to the UK for having a conviction for fare evasion. Perhaps it depends on the status you are in the UK to start with (eg British Citizen or not).

Others here will correct me if I am wrong but I suspect fare evasion convictions are not very different from convictions for road traffic / driving offences.

TfL take hundreds of people to court for fare evasion - realistically there will be lots of people who have court convictions for this sort of thing.

The other aspect of your plans to go abroad will relate to the rules on something like this that the place you are going to might apply to your permission to enter their country. Which country are you goign to for your daufhter's graduation? Do you require a VISA to go there? You should look up what that country says about visitors and anything they declare before travelling to their country.

There looks to be some useful information bout travel on the website provided by this charity which you might want to look over in due course.

Travel - Unlock

unlock.org.uk

hi.
thank you for your message. it is really reassuring and help my anxiety. visa is not required in the country I am going next month and I am holding a leave to remain visa.

 

[Lala15]

When you respond, you should inform them of the dates you are planning to be out of the country and the reason. They will normally do their best to avoid interfering with such plans. (I.e. if you're required to attend court, they'll try to choose a date before or after - but they can only take such plans into account if they know about them!)

I will mentioned when I received another letter or email from them.

 

[WesternLancer]

hi.
thank you for your message. it is really reassuring and help my anxiety. visa is not required in the country I am going next month and I am holding a leave to remain visa.

so you would not have any conviction until this issue went to court (assuming you are found guilty) - which might not happen before you need to go abroad and come back. But if it does you may need to get advice on that from somewhere that is allowed to give advice on immigration related matters.

 

[showchaser]

Sorry, didn't realise this thread was so old. I would recommend a solicitor if TfL haven't decided on a prosecution. A solicitor might convince TfL to give a final warning. High value pass fraud is one of the most serious abuses of the system, sadly, and TfL fight it hard when they catch it, rightly.