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<p>The Department is responsible for the policy and legal framework under which penalty
fares operate in England and Wales. Train operators that have opted to have a penalty
fares scheme must operate it in accordance with Department rules. The rules are designed
to be fair, appropriate and consistent.</p><p> </p><p>The penalty fares system is
designed to be run by the industry and the Department relies on Passenger Focus (a
statutory independent watchdog for rail passengers) to oversee arrangements, as they
are best placed to do so.</p><p> </p><p>The Department has regular dialogue with Passenger
Focus about a range of issues, including the administration of penalty fares, to inform
its view on the effectiveness of the current arrangements.</p>
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