West Midlands Metro fare dodgers could face ten times higher fines

The West Midlands Combined Authority board will consider a recommendation to increase the penalty from £10 to £100, with a 50% reduction if paid within 14 days.

The organisation claimed that by making this change, it would now be in step with other tram operators across the country.

The increase was originally scheduled to take effect in 2021, but was postponed because of events like the Commonwealth Games and COVID-19.

A report to the board, which is due to meet on Friday, said keeping the fines at the current level would not be enough of a deterrent.

No specific date has been set as of yet for the new fine to take effect.

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