I would welcome advice. My 16 year old son was issued an unpaid fare notice for £109 (the cost of a full fare standard single), due now to be paid by 25th October (I have queried aspects, so I have been granted an extension). My son, Alex, presented his ticket at the barrier and had not yet travelled. He had used a friend’s telephone to buy his ticket (low battery on his phone) and he had not realised that his friend had been using a railcard, and so he inadvertently failed to uncheck the box. The ticket was purchased on 15th July 2019 around late morning as a super off peak single, any route permitted, with an adult 16-25 railcard for £28.60 for travel from Castle Cary (CLC) to London Terminals, with the intention of immediate travel.
Am I wrong to feel this was rather punitive? He did not pass through the barrier, but was immediately issued the unpaid fare notice. Presumably there would have been discretion for the guard at the ticket barrier to direct him to purchase another valid ticket instead, which he could have got as off-peak? If they are within their rights to demand this payment, am I entitled to claim back even the £28.60? or may I deduct it from the notice?
Thanks for any assistance. Simon
Am I wrong to feel this was rather punitive? He did not pass through the barrier, but was immediately issued the unpaid fare notice. Presumably there would have been discretion for the guard at the ticket barrier to direct him to purchase another valid ticket instead, which he could have got as off-peak? If they are within their rights to demand this payment, am I entitled to claim back even the £28.60? or may I deduct it from the notice?
Thanks for any assistance. Simon