Apologies if this is the incorrect place to post but I am a bit desperate for advice. What are the implications if I try and fight the fine? I can’t really afford to pay it right now.
I recently travelled with Merseyrail, my local train operator. They still run a buy a ticket at a booth service at my local station. At my local station there is one counter. At the time of travelling my local stations only ticket booth was closed with a sign saying ‘pay at destination’ This is usually a regular occurrence at this station. There is no self service and no way to pay for a ticket online.
I made my way to an unfamiliar station with no ticket intending to pay at the destination (I was travelling to watch a football match) As there were large crowds I followed them assuming I would pass this stations ticket office on the way.
Instead it was the exit with Merseyrail guards ready and waiting. They asked me for my ticket so I stated it was pay at destination and had a photo to prove it. They said I had gone past the ticket office. I apologised and said I would go back and pay and I didn’t realise I had missed it. At this point the guard said I had “come too far” and had to be fined. They were quite rude and it was quite embarrassing. I didn’t kick up a fuss as there were police in attendance. It was a very disheartening experience where I felt like I was being treated like a criminal.
I had absolutely no intention of trying to bunk a £4 fair. I legitimately didn’t realise I had gone past the ticket office. I’ve used this service for 30+ years. I don’t mean to come across holy but usually at the time of travel I’d be volunteering at my local tour centre, not bunking fares.
I have received a letter saying I must settle an out of court fine of £125 or be taken to court. The letter sets out no process to appeal. I’ve reached out to Merseyrail and they have given me an email address to appeal the fine but already they are not making it easy.
I find this a very worrying practice as there were many other who were caught out travelling to the game. How often are they doing this and making money from fines with threatening letters?
I’ve added the letter I received and a response to the email I sent to appeal the fine.
Thanks in advance
I recently travelled with Merseyrail, my local train operator. They still run a buy a ticket at a booth service at my local station. At my local station there is one counter. At the time of travelling my local stations only ticket booth was closed with a sign saying ‘pay at destination’ This is usually a regular occurrence at this station. There is no self service and no way to pay for a ticket online.
I made my way to an unfamiliar station with no ticket intending to pay at the destination (I was travelling to watch a football match) As there were large crowds I followed them assuming I would pass this stations ticket office on the way.
Instead it was the exit with Merseyrail guards ready and waiting. They asked me for my ticket so I stated it was pay at destination and had a photo to prove it. They said I had gone past the ticket office. I apologised and said I would go back and pay and I didn’t realise I had missed it. At this point the guard said I had “come too far” and had to be fined. They were quite rude and it was quite embarrassing. I didn’t kick up a fuss as there were police in attendance. It was a very disheartening experience where I felt like I was being treated like a criminal.
I had absolutely no intention of trying to bunk a £4 fair. I legitimately didn’t realise I had gone past the ticket office. I’ve used this service for 30+ years. I don’t mean to come across holy but usually at the time of travel I’d be volunteering at my local tour centre, not bunking fares.
I have received a letter saying I must settle an out of court fine of £125 or be taken to court. The letter sets out no process to appeal. I’ve reached out to Merseyrail and they have given me an email address to appeal the fine but already they are not making it easy.
I find this a very worrying practice as there were many other who were caught out travelling to the game. How often are they doing this and making money from fines with threatening letters?
I’ve added the letter I received and a response to the email I sent to appeal the fine.
Thanks in advance