Rail Penalty Fare Problem!

gareth77uk

Livingthedream wrote: »

Sorry wish I could be more helpful, but to be honest would you put your court defence in the hearsay so of an internet forum with the prospect of losing £870 and having a criminal record if were wrong?

I think mine and wealdroam's advice in this occasion is sound, go see a solicitor.

Its just not something I need while having tests for cancer! but thanks for replies i will try to see solicitor tomorrow or monday!.

wealdroam

Livingthedream wrote: »

I think mine and wealdroam's advice in this occasion is sound, go see a solicitor.

Just to add to that...

Lots of solicitors will give the first 30 minutes free.
So you might be able to find out if it is worth spending more money before you spend it.

gareth77uk

wealdroam wrote: »

Just to add to that...

Lots of solicitors will give the first 30 minutes free.
So you might be able to find out if it is worth spending more money before you spend it.

ok thanks again

obev0098

Not sure if you guys can help me but here goes.

On the 7th of Jan I didn't have my weekly pass with me and was approached by a women that taken my details at Stockport station after I travelled from Manchester Piccadilly on a virgin train (10 min journey).

Around early may I received a letter asking if I was the person in question from the 7th of Jan, the letter was from SouthWestern Rail (Or eastern I cant remember)

I replied back advising that I am indeed that person and that the info I provided the lady was correct and that I lost the weekly ticket whilst visiting my grandparents. I also said in the letter that I can accept if I was to be fined as obviously I didnt have a ticket.

My problem is that they havent been back in touch with me and I have now moved address, it is worrying me and i'm not sure what to do. I did leave my mobile number on the letter but have not recieved a call as of yet.

Any advice guys?

Stigy

obev0098 wrote: »

Not sure if you guys can help me but here goes.

On the 7th of Jan I didn't have my weekly pass with me and was approached by a women that taken my details at Stockport station after I travelled from Manchester Piccadilly on a virgin train (10 min journey).

Around early may I received a letter asking if I was the person in question from the 7th of Jan, the letter was from SouthWestern Rail (Or eastern I cant remember)

I replied back advising that I am indeed that person and that the info I provided the lady was correct and that I lost the weekly ticket whilst visiting my grandparents. I also said in the letter that I can accept if I was to be fined as obviously I didnt have a ticket.

My problem is that they havent been back in touch with me and I have now moved address, it is worrying me and i'm not sure what to do. I did leave my mobile number on the letter but have not recieved a call as of yet.

Any advice guys?

Did ypu tell them you were moving address? Is your mail automatically redirected to you new address?

You said you received their letter in early May, now I'm assuming you either mean early March of this year, or May of last year. I have a feeling you mean March, but if you're talking nearly a year ago now, chances are the matter has gone to the Magistrates' Court and been heard in your absence, and you're currently lost in the system, but will know doubt be found, assuming you were found guilty of an offence.

If you only received the letter a month or two ago, it's possible that they have tried contacting you again, but were unable to. I suggest you call the Prosecutions Office for the TOC you travelled with (Virgin Trains) and see what they say. If you do nothing you have the possibility of being summonsed to Court, because as far as Virgin Trains is concerned, you still live at that address and are now failing to respond to them.

obev0098

Stigy wrote: »

Did ypu tell them you were moving address? Is your mail automatically redirected to you new address?

You said you received their letter in early May, now I'm assuming you either mean early March of this year, or May of last year. I have a feeling you mean March, but if you're talking nearly a year ago now, chances are the matter has gone to the Magistrates' Court and been heard in your absence, and you're currently lost in the system, but will know doubt be found, assuming you were found guilty of an offence.

If you only received the letter a month or two ago, it's possible that they have tried contacting you again, but were unable to. I suggest you call the Prosecutions Office for the TOC you travelled with (Virgin Trains) and see what they say. If you do nothing you have the possibility of being summonsed to Court, because as far as Virgin Trains is concerned, you still live at that address and are now failing to respond to them.

I am sorry I meant March of this year, the letter didnt have any telephone numbers on it. Really confused with what to do. I only recently moved out.

obev0098

This is the letter they sent me.

Secondly here is a link to that document, hopefully you will be able to read it:

Edit: Well it seems I can't add a link so I'll just write it out:

Prosecutions Office
Block A
Kentlink Offices
Station Approach
London Bridge Station
London SE1 9SP

FAX: 020 7234 1121

[My Address]

[Reference Number]
09 March 11

Dear Mr

On 07/01/11 a person giving the above name and address was questioned by a member of rail staff with regard to avoiding payment of thier fare whilst making a train journey from Manchester Pic to Stockport.

The matter has been provisionally authorised for prosecution.

Before I proceed further, I invite you to respond by completing in full the bottom section of this letter, making any comments about the incident on the reverse, and send it to the above address within seven days.

Failure to respond will lead to the matter being processes without further notification.

[Form asking for my details asking for:]
Are you the person that travelled (Y/N)
Surname
Forename
Date of Birth
Address
Telephone Number
Occupation
signature
Date]

Stigy

It shouldn't be too hard to locate a phone number using Google or similar. I suggest you trry this and give them a call. Chances are it wouldn't have gone to court yet, given the dates etc, so you probablt still have time.

wealdroam

Obev0098, you seem to be getting a bit confused with dates.

You told us that the incident took place on 07 Jan 2011, and the letter you have shown us agrees with that.

But that letter appears to have a date of 2nd November 2010.

I'm not trying to be critical, but if you are going to write to them, or phone them, you need to get the facts right.

Something's not right here.

Stigy

wealdroam wrote: »

Obev0098, you seem to be getting a bit confused with dates.

You told us that the incident took place on 07 Jan 2011, and the letter you have shown us agrees with that.

But that letter appears to have a date of 2nd November 2010.

I'm not trying to be critical, but if you are going to write to them, or phone them, you need to get the facts right.

Something's not right here.

I didn't notice that, how strange....:A