The Costs in Criminal Cases (General) Regulations 1986

Travelling expenses

24.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a witness who travels to or from court by public transport (including by air) may be allowed the fare actually paid.

(2) Unless the court otherwise directs, only the second class fare shall be allowed under paragraph (1) for travel by railway.

(3) A witness who travels to or from court by air may be allowed the fare actually paid only if—

(a) there was no reasonable alternative to travel by air and the class of fare paid was reasonable in all the circumstances; or

(b) travel by air was more economical in the circumstances taking into account any savings of time resulting from the adoption of such mode of travel and its consequent effect in reducing the amount of allowances payable under the other provisions of this Part of these Regulations,

and, where the air fare is not allowed, there may be allowed such amount as the court considers reasonable.

(4) A witness who travels to or from court by hired vehicle may be allowed—

(a) the fare actually paid and any reasonable gratuity so paid in a case of urgency or where public transport is not reasonable available; or

(b) in any other case, the amount of fare for travel by public transport.

(5) A witness who travels to or from court by private vehicle may be allowed an appropriate private vehicle allowance not exceeding the relevant amount.

(6) Where—

(a) a witness is in the opinion of the court suffering from a serious illness; or

(b) heavy exhibits have to be taken to court,

the court may allow reasonable additional sums in excess of those allowed under paragraphs (1) to (5).

(7) An interpreter or a medical practitioner who incurs travelling expenses in providing the court with a report otherwise than in writing may be allowed a travelling allowance not exceeding the relevant amount.