Penalty Fare Notice with Southern Railway

zubair04

Hi just needed some advice with a penalty fare i recieved.

I bought two tickets (one for me, one for my brother) when travelling from East Croydon Rail Station to London bridge. I used my 16-25 railcard to get my discount. however i didnt realise that the self service machine applied the discount to both tickets.

when reaching London Bridge i was stopped, and the inspector suggested i appeal the fare because i was not at fault and the self service machine should have been clearer when buying multiple tickets. He also mentioned that since i was from Newcastle, and not familiar with the area and protocols, that it would most likely be okay.

I appealed online 3 days later , entering the penalty fare notice number, time/date and location online and uploading my 16-25 railcard. I received a letter a week later from the appeals assesor, who asked for a copy of my fine. I sent this back with a copy.

I have now recieved a letter claiming that my appeal has been rejected because it was not submitted within 21 days. The reason was because i apparently sent the appeal back to the wrong address (there's so many addresses thrown at you that im not sure whether i did or not) and therefore missed the deadline.

Surely i did not miss the appeal deadline because i initially appealed online ?

Any advice on this? How far will Southern Railway take this for a £20 fine?


Thanks,

Livingthedream

If you applied online and then complied with the appeals assessor's letter then it isn't your fault. I would appeal to a higher level, stating your grievance. So writing to Passenger Focus to see what they say, if you do this then enclose a copy back to Southern Rail.

Also you could repost on one or both of the following forums, both are as good as each other for helping people but the first one is more specialist website for Penalty fares, appeals & ticket problems.

CAG (Trains,tubes and buses)
RailUK

zubair04

ah thank you so much for your help!! i've been really stressed as they basically sent me a debt collection letter before they even made a decision on my appeal!

thank you again!

Livingthedream

You could also try phoning IRCAS (Independent Revenue Collection and Support) on 0845 434 8292 or 0845 434 8289 during working hours and ask them whats going on, it might be easier to speak to a person and get it sorted there and then.

zubair04

I tried ringing a number today, i think it was an 0844 number but the automated service simply said that appeals wont be discussed over the phone. il try ringing that number tomorrow .

Thanks Livingthedream, really appreciate the help