Hiya,
I would really appreciate some advice on my recent situation! I've got an intent to prosecute letter through stating that I entered a train for the purpose of travelling on the railway, without a ticket entitling travel. I have 14 days to reply with my version of events.
I did in-fact purchase a ticket for my full journey, but with a 16-25 railcard (that I didn't actually have to show the inspector - because I don't actually have one. Mistake I know). When he approached me I wasn't offered to pay the difference, or asked to pay a penalty fare (which I happily would have done so). Out of panic I said I didn't have my card on me - and the form he filled out just said to send it a copy of it to XYZ. Obviously I never sent it through, as I don't have one.
I've looked online and the single price of the fare between the two stations I was travelling between is the same price with or without a rail card too (under £10, so it's not a huge sum). Frustratingly I have been commuting back and forward to London on and off for years, paying full monthly season tickets - not that makes a difference, but I've spent thousands on trains in the past and a one off train journey has resulted in this.
In all honestly I wasn't aware of the severity of this action and I'm not 100% sure on what to do next. I have drafted a letter explaining how regretful I am to have wasted their time in investigating this issue and that I am more than happy to pay the usual penalty fare and any other costs they see fit (or do I need to specifically request to settle this outside of court)... any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I would really appreciate some advice on my recent situation! I've got an intent to prosecute letter through stating that I entered a train for the purpose of travelling on the railway, without a ticket entitling travel. I have 14 days to reply with my version of events.
I did in-fact purchase a ticket for my full journey, but with a 16-25 railcard (that I didn't actually have to show the inspector - because I don't actually have one. Mistake I know). When he approached me I wasn't offered to pay the difference, or asked to pay a penalty fare (which I happily would have done so). Out of panic I said I didn't have my card on me - and the form he filled out just said to send it a copy of it to XYZ. Obviously I never sent it through, as I don't have one.
I've looked online and the single price of the fare between the two stations I was travelling between is the same price with or without a rail card too (under £10, so it's not a huge sum). Frustratingly I have been commuting back and forward to London on and off for years, paying full monthly season tickets - not that makes a difference, but I've spent thousands on trains in the past and a one off train journey has resulted in this.
In all honestly I wasn't aware of the severity of this action and I'm not 100% sure on what to do next. I have drafted a letter explaining how regretful I am to have wasted their time in investigating this issue and that I am more than happy to pay the usual penalty fare and any other costs they see fit (or do I need to specifically request to settle this outside of court)... any advice would be greatly appreciated!