Rail Penalty Fare Problem!

obev0098

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'm sorry, the letter was taken from the internet, but matches the one I received but obviously the date was different, the letter was dated the 9th of March. Hope this helps. Sorry for the confusion. I've corrected the post

obev0098

Stigy wrote: »

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.

I'm finding it impossible to find a Telephone number

Livingthedream

obev0098 wrote: »

I'm finding it impossible to find a Telephone number

I'm sure stigy will find you a telephone number from his little black book, but failing that you could write to the address of the letter that you received from the Prosecutions Office, apologizing for not informing them earlier, remember to include the reference number of your case.

I would also send it recorded.

obev0098

Livingthedream wrote: »

I'm sure stigy will find you a telephone number from his little black book, but failing that you could write to the address of the letter that you received from the Prosecutions Office, apologizing for not informing them earlier, remember to include the reference number of your case.

I would also send it recorded.

Thank you, I went to my old address less than two weeks ago and no post, I will visit my old address again tonight. So strange I cant find a number and that they havent got back in touch with me.

Stigy

obev0098 wrote: »

Thank you, I went to my old address less than two weeks ago and no post, I will visit my old address again tonight. So strange I cant find a number and that they havent got back in touch with me.

Is the letter from Virgin Trains themselves? You mentioned something about South Western or South Eastern earlier? It's possible that they sub-contract their prosecutions out to another Train Operating Company (South Eastern Trains more than likely, being London Bridge), as Virgin Trains seem have the majority of their business in Birmingham, and not London.

I suggest you give Virgin's Customer Services a call and see if they can advise you. They wont be able to tell you anything about your case, but should be able to shed some light on how their prosecutions are dealt with and by whom.

Their number is - 08450 008 000

obev0098

Stigy wrote: »

Is the letter from Virgin Trains themselves? You mentioned something about South Western or South Eastern earlier? It's possible that they sub-contract their prosecutions out to another Train Operating Company (South Eastern Trains more than likely, being London Bridge), as Virgin Trains seem have the majority of their business in Birmingham, and not London.

I suggest you give Virgin's Customer Services a call and see if they can advise you. They wont be able to tell you anything about your case, but should be able to shed some light on how their prosecutions are dealt with and by whom.

Their number is - 08450 008 000

Thank you for your advice. It was a Virgin Train, and the letter was from Southeastern. Do you think its worth asking at the station?

Stigy

obev0098 wrote: »

Thank you for your advice. It was a Virgin Train, and the letter was from Southeastern. Do you think its worth asking at the station?

If the letter was from Southeastern Trains, then Virgin Trains obviously use them to process prosecutions. Call their Customer Services department, or call Virgin's, either way you should be transfered or redirected quite easily to the correct place.

obev0098

I got on the virgin train home today....I spoke with the train manager about my situation...her exact words were "forget about it, if they havent been back to you by now they never will"

Hmmmm

Stigy

obev0098 wrote: »

I got on the virgin train home today....I spoke with the train manager about my situation...her exact words were "forget about it, if they havent been back to you by now they never will"

Hmmmm

I wouldn't take her work for it. With respect to her, her job entails the safety of the train, along with selling tickets etc. Unless she's had previous prosecutions experience, I doubt she'd know much about the processes, nor indeed the possible reprocusions of ignoring the situation.

The TOC has 6-months with which to lay a case with the court, and that doesn't include the hearing. In other words you could have been reported for an offence in October and only just have a Court date now (could be 7 or 8 months before a slot becomes available, as long as the courts have been told about it and the case has been booked so to speak, within 6-months). It all depends on how busy they are. Bearing in mind you've received initial correspondence from the company dealing with the case, the ball is more than likely well and truely rolling, and it's just a matter of time before they contact you with regard to your last letter. I can't remember when you said you sent your letter in response to theirs, but I'd certainly consider contacting themn to make sure they have received it.

obev0098

I went to my old address this evening to collect my mail, Still no response from the original letter. I will fax them asap and chase up.