Southeastern MG11

On April 16 I made a journey on Southeastern train from parents home town to London Bridge but bought a ticket from Charing Cross to London Bridge. Was stopped by a guard who challenged the correctness of ticket. I was very honest and compliant, admitted my fault and confirmed I would never reoffend. Was a friendly exchange but issued with an MG11 and now awaiting the letter to respond to. I realise this was stupid and being strapped for cash does not excuse my action. I genuinely will not reoffend but have done this a few times before (10-15 times). I've started to draft a response letter and would really appreciate some advice/help please. Does letter arrive in normal post or as a signed for letter? This is the response I have drafted:

Dear Sir/ Madam

I am writing in response to the Notice of Intention to Prosecute letter dated XXX, I have received regarding the fare evasion incident reference XXX at London Bridge on 16 April 2024.

I am sincerely sorry for this incident; I am ashamed of myself and now understand that irrespective of my personal circumstances I should not have attempted to travel with an invalid ticket. Following this I have been and always will be diligent in purchasing the correct ticket for subsequent journeys. I understand that fare evasion costs rail companies millions of pounds every year and I am truly sorry to have contributed to that.

In light of the above, I wondered if it would be possible to settle this matter without having to go to court. I am prepared to pay any outstanding fare and your administration costs in dealing with this matter. I hope my desire to settle will be considered.

Once again, I apologise for my actions and the inconvenience caused. I would greatly appreciate your understanding and consideration.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully

Thanks in advance for your help.

You do need to wait for the letter, but depending on what that says, this is a good response.
South eastern are almost always happy to settle out of court, so a positive response is a good possibility.
Just make sure you always buy valid tickets here on in.

Yes, it’s a good letter. Be prepared for them to check your account and include the previous instances as well, which based on Anytime Single fares could add up to a reasonably substantial amount.

Thank you so much for your response - really appreciate the help.

Brissle Girl said:

Yes, it’s a good letter. Be prepared for them to check your account and include the previous instances as well, which based on Anytime Single fares could add up to a reasonably substantial amount.

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Thanks very much for your reply - I really appreciate it.

Brissle Girl said:

Yes, it’s a good letter. Be prepared for them to check your account and include the previous instances as well, which based on Anytime Single fares could add up to a reasonably substantial amount.

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for your response - really appreciate the help.

ikcdab said:

You do need to wait for the letter, but depending on what that says, this is a good response.
South eastern are almost always happy to settle out of court, so a positive response is a good possibility.
Just make sure you always buy valid tickets here on in.

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for your response - I really appreciate your advice.

Please can someone advise if the SouthEastern letter in response to MG11 arrives by normal post or signed for? It hasn't arrive by post yet and I'm worried it may have gone astray. Also, long does it usually take for them to send the letter. I'm just wondering if I should pre-empt by writing to the SE Trains address on the MG11?

It’s sometimes a few days, and sometimes up to 5 months if they are busy. (The key deadline is to get it all resolved before they have to serve court papers, which is 6 months.

It’s much too early to effectively chase them now by writing to them.

NM123 said:

Please can someone advise if the SouthEastern letter in response to MG11 arrives by normal post or signed for? It hasn't arrive by post yet and I'm worried it may have gone astray. Also, long does it usually take for them to send the letter. I'm just wondering if I should pre-empt by writing to the SE Trains address on the MG11?

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It will be 1st Class. 1st class is assumed delivered 2 days later, whereas you can refuse to sign for a letter and legally it has not been served on you.
For this reason, all the "official" paperwork will be 1st class.

Ok, good to know, thanks very much for your advice.