Policy with regards to Police Officers rail travel whilst on duty

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.025616

I note you seek access to the following information:

I am requesting information regarding any official policies outlining the arrangements for Police Officers when using national rail services, whilst on duty; this includes both in full uniform, partial uniform and plain clothes.

I understand that officers get free travel on TfL services both on and off duty, using their individually assigned TfL Police Oyster cards, as well as the ATOC concessionary scheme that provides officers with unlimited travel on most national rail services within a 70 mile radius of London.

I also seek any information regarding any formal and/or informal guidance for officers wishing to travel on national rail services whilst on duty, for a policing based purpose?

Are they allowed to gain free entry using their warrant card?
Are they told to pay at their own expense and claim back any money at a later date, regardless of the amount spent on travel?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Rules for the ATOC/RDG Zonal Travel Scheme

1. If you leave the scheme part of the way through the month, irrespective of the date, you will charged for the whole month.

2. The smartcard can only be used when presented with your warrant card on National Rail Services.

3. When travelling within the rail scheme boundary, you must use your smartcard to enter and exit any train station. Where a station does not have a smartcard reader, you will need to show your warrant card and smartcard.

4. You should not under any circumstances, use your smartcard to tap in or tap out in stations outside the rail scheme boundary. The smartcard will not prevent you from travelling beyond the scheme boundary. You are advised that if you intend to travel beyond the scheme boundary, you must buy a ticket in advance to undertake this additional journey.

5. If you do use your smartcard to travel beyond the scheme boundary, the Rail Delivery Group will record your journey. The Rail Delivery Group will in turn inform the Met and you will be charged an anytime single fare between the relevant London terminal and destination or origin station. You will also be charged a £10 fee for the administration of the penalty. The additional charges will be deducted directly from your salary.

6. Blatant misuse of the travel scheme may result in you having your smartcard removed. If you receive a disciplinary sanction as a result of misuse, you will automatically lose access to the travel scheme for a minimum of 12 months.

7. The rail travel scheme permits standard class travel only for business and private use, including ordinary commuting.

8. Should you incur business travel costs not covered by your rail travel scheme membership, you may be able to claim business travel expenses via PSOP.

9. If there is a need for police assistance whilst you are travelling on National Rail services, you are expected to make yourself known, as per your training.

10. You must keep your smartcard away from other “smart” enabled cards such as Oyster and contactless cards, electronic cards, such as mobile phones, and items with magnetic clasps.

11. There is no entitlement to delay repay with the subsidised rail travel scheme.

In relation to your specific questions above, I have been informed that officers are not permitted to gain entry to the train network by presenting their warrant card. The officer must be in possession of a smartcard or a normal rail ticket. Your question regarding expenses is answered above at point eight.