I tried to purchase a ticket at Burley Park Station as I was travelling to Leeds station to catch another train to London, however the machine was not accepting my card and I didn't have any cash on me. I then proceeded to try and purchase a ticket online, however by this point the ticket was unavailable to purchase. Upon arrival in Leeds station I went straight to the ticket desk on the platform side of the barrier to purchase a ticket for the train I had just been on as I had been unable to do so up until this point. On arrival at the desk I was pulled aside by a woman and told that I was getting fined. I feel cheated by the system and do not feel I should be fined. May I also point out that, had I decided not to try and buy a ticket on arrival at Leeds station I would not have received a fine, and would have been able to use the train for free. I also showed them a screenshot of the ticket app not allowing me to buy tickets as well.
My question is, is it legal for them to issue fines at the ticket office, as surely being caught voluntarily trying to buy a ticket shows that there is no intent to avoid paying?
My question is, is it legal for them to issue fines at the ticket office, as surely being caught voluntarily trying to buy a ticket shows that there is no intent to avoid paying?