Hi there, I am writing this on behalf of my partner. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Situation.
Travelling from South Quay (DLR) - Bank (Northen) - Moorgate (Northen). All on TFL, we make this journey every day for the past 9 months. We have never used a First Capital Connect service nor did we on the date of the alleged offence.
My partner's season ticket had expired on the day, unknowingly we arrived at Moorgate tube and the ticket barriers were manned by FCC inspectors. My partner was stopped and at that moment she realized what the issue was, she offered to pay for the journey and renew her season ticket. The FCC inspector took down her name, address, made a call etc and she was informed that a letter would be sent giving her the chance to explain what had happened. Nothing was paid on the day (besides her renewing her season ticket for use).
She replied to the letter explaining that this was all in good faith an an accidental mistake plus the first time it had ever happened. She was not intending to avoid a fare. Anyway, they have replied and wish to pursue via magistrates.
We are looking for advice on how to proceed with this. We were not travelling on FCC, this was not an intended fair evasion. How can we settle this out of court? I believe we are happy to pay any admin costs etc. But I am confused, how can FCC prosecute if we were not even on their service? Any advice is much appreciated on this matter. I am happy to provide any further information or details as necessary.
Many thanks in advance.
Nasri.
Situation.
Travelling from South Quay (DLR) - Bank (Northen) - Moorgate (Northen). All on TFL, we make this journey every day for the past 9 months. We have never used a First Capital Connect service nor did we on the date of the alleged offence.
My partner's season ticket had expired on the day, unknowingly we arrived at Moorgate tube and the ticket barriers were manned by FCC inspectors. My partner was stopped and at that moment she realized what the issue was, she offered to pay for the journey and renew her season ticket. The FCC inspector took down her name, address, made a call etc and she was informed that a letter would be sent giving her the chance to explain what had happened. Nothing was paid on the day (besides her renewing her season ticket for use).
She replied to the letter explaining that this was all in good faith an an accidental mistake plus the first time it had ever happened. She was not intending to avoid a fare. Anyway, they have replied and wish to pursue via magistrates.
We are looking for advice on how to proceed with this. We were not travelling on FCC, this was not an intended fair evasion. How can we settle this out of court? I believe we are happy to pay any admin costs etc. But I am confused, how can FCC prosecute if we were not even on their service? Any advice is much appreciated on this matter. I am happy to provide any further information or details as necessary.
Many thanks in advance.
Nasri.