Fine for not having a ticket

ManchesterMM1

Hi
my daughter bought her train ticket on line in advance, but unfortunately got on the wrong train which was a different company. She was asked to show her ticket which she did then discovered her error . She gave her name and address and a few days later a letter arrived stating she had a fine of £ 50 for evading paying a ticket. She explained it was an error and showed her e-ticket proving she did not intentionally not pay. She appealed and they did not accept it. She sent a cheque in payment for the fare but this has been returned with a letter stating she will be taken to court. This has never happened to her before the fare was £4.90. Now total due 54.90. Any advice please

sammyjammy

My advice is pay it, she made a mistake but that is not the fault of the train company.  Expensive lesson to learn.

outtatune

Yes, pay the £54.90. She got on the train without a valid ticket.

martindow

Agree with the others, pay it however unfair it seems.  Hopefully paying to end the matter is still an option.  

Going to court is definitely to be avoided as it could be a criminal offence on your record that will need to be declared  - this is probably not a civil claim.