TICKET inspections have been taking place at a city railway station this morning (November 9). 

Revenue protection officers from West Midlands Railway (WMR) were spotted at the bottom of the stairs at Platform 2 inspecting the tickets of passengers both arriving and leaving. 

A Worcester News reporter saw inspectors speaking to a few people at around 9am this morning. 

Worcester News: INSPECTION: Ticket inspections at Platform 2 Worcester Foregate StreetINSPECTION: Ticket inspections at Platform 2 Worcester Foregate Street (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

This year we have reported on a number of court cases in which people who did not pay for a rail ticket, and did not respond to the rail operator after being written to, ended up with fines of more than £500. 

On its website, WMR says: "To travel with us, you need a valid train ticket for your entire journey before you board, otherwise, you may need to pay a penalty fare.

Worcester News: INSPECTIONS: West Midlands Railway ticket inspection at Foregate Street StationINSPECTIONS: West Midlands Railway ticket inspection at Foregate Street Station (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"By evading fares, it is not only unfair on paying customers, but it also stops funds being invested in improving the railway network, passenger journeys, and the service we provide.

"From 23 January, penalty fares increased to £100, plus the price of the full single fare applicable to the intended destination on that train.

"If the fare is paid within 21 days, the fare will be reduced to £50, plus the price of the full single fare applicable."

We have contacted WMR for further comment on this morning's inspections.