Companies and persons operating a railroad shall so regulate the distance between station floors or platforms and the top of the lowest step on passenger cars so that it will not exceed twelve inches. When the distance is more than one foot, it shall be changed or safe steps provided for passengers within that limit.
A company failing to comply with this section shall forfeit not less than fifty nor more than five hundred dollars for each delinquency. On the written complaint of any citizens, the prosecuting attorney of a county in which such default occurs at once shall begin suit against the company guilty of such default for the recovery of such forfeiture.