Train Fine - Question

Jakg

This is for a friend (honestly!)

She gets to the station, the ticket machine is broken. Employee at station tells her and her friends to get on the train and buy the ticket on the train (like several others in front are told).

She gets on train, ticket inspector comes along and asks for their tickets - they explain they'd like to buy one and are told it's "too late" and they get fined £20. They're names / addresses are taken and their parents are called (i'm assuming some of her friends were under 18). Barriers are locked so they cannot leave, however several other passengers (specifically - an old lady) explain they have no ticket, make no offer to purchase one, but are allowed out. My friends group are not allowed out until they pay the fine on the spot. Refused to listen to the fact they were told they could buy a ticket on the train, inspector refused to accept the money for the train fare, and so they paid the fine.

The people in question were a bunch of girls around the 17-18 age group and I got the impression my GF felt a little intimidated by the man (I also got the impression she thought she was going to be arrested for some reason?)

What would you do in this situation?

Personally, I would refuse to give my name and address and offer then the fare - and the fare only. If this proved unsuccesfull I would re-iterate he would either get the ticket fare or nothing at all, and if the fine was still the only option I would attempt to leave. Police wise this is a civil matter (not in the same league as theft as the person had every intention of paying).

Line in question is a Suffolk line, although I have no idea what particular line as I dont ever have to use trains thank god

Just to re-iterate - they had every intention of paying, and offered payment. They were acting on instructions from a train employee at the station.

Anihilator

Can they prove any of this? I am afraid unless they can they will need to hope the train company trace back the fault with the machine and are honest about it otherwise its the words of a group of teenagers against them and I am afraid there word is unlikely to be accepted.

First step is to write to the company explaining the situation along with any proof asking for a refund. Each party should do a seperate letter. You never know they might accept there word for it and refund the penalties.

If they dont then I would suggest you look at using a DPA or FOI (if it applies) to get info on the machine in the hope it proves innocence. Once at this stage though I would question if its worth the hassle.

Jakg

FOI is £10 + the cost of the letter, envelope, stamp etc, no?

They were given appeal forms but tbh I imagine they will be like the PPC one - "we carefully re-assessed your case, you were in the wrong".

Anihilator

Yes it would be hence why it isnt worthwhile.

Imo I would ensure each one of them sends off their appeal letters along with an accompanying letter to HO and any evidence and hope they get satisfaction.

Is it worth a trip to the local station to ask the staff if they remember the fault.

In future maybe take a date and timed picture of faulty machines.

KeithP

Did the girls go looking for the ticket seller on the train?

If you find him before he finds you, it looks more probable that you were intending, and trying, to buy a ticket.

robt_2

Jakg wrote: »

This is for a friend (honestly!)

She gets to the station, the ticket machine is broken. Employee at station tells her and her friends to get on the train and buy the ticket on the train (like several others in front are told).

If that is true then there is no problem. Write an appeal with the time and date that tickets were attempted to be purchased.