NSVX
Member
Hi all, I have a question that I would like to pose in search of an answer to something that has been playing on my mind in recent time.
around 2-3 months ago, I boarded a GN Train at New Barnet intending to delight the train at Finsbury Park. I tapped my Zip Card at the barrier as I am under 16, for the barrier not to work. I knew the reason for this was because the gates at this particular station operate with a child lock turned on, meaning the barriers did not open. The balance on my Oyster was that above £20, meaning I of course had sufficient funds to start as well as finish my journey. As the gates did not open, and the train had just arrived, I opened one of the side metal gates which are intended for use when the platform is busy, but I felt as if this was justified with there being no station staff on site and therefore no other means on boarding the train in time.
After being on the train for a few minutes, a ticket inspector came along, and of course asked me to produce my valid travel authority, which after I explained to him that the gates were not working, he proceeded to issue me with a penalty fare. I told him I did not have any cash on me, nor a card, as I believed I already had the appropriate 'ticket' for travel, so would not be requiring any money on my person. This was the truth, I also do not tend to carry cash on me unless in specific circumstance as I have been mugged of my possessions before.
He said the notice would appeal in the post in 14 days, in which I accepted and informed him an appeal would be lodged. I was fully compliant as well as polite, explained the circumstances well, showed him the 50+ tickets I had on me at the time due to the fact I use the service daily in the other direction, in order to prove I am a fully paying customer looking for no trouble. I also had my season monthly ticket on me going in the other direction, adding more proof that I am a frequent passenger who pays their fares without exception.
However many months on, I still have not received any notice in the post, so could somebody advise me on what the situation is, whether or not I can expect any communication, or whether they may have dropped the case due to me providing much detailed evidence, and the inspector telling me they will review CCTV footage to ensure I was not lying or acting in a malicious way.
Many thanks, and I look forward to your responses.
around 2-3 months ago, I boarded a GN Train at New Barnet intending to delight the train at Finsbury Park. I tapped my Zip Card at the barrier as I am under 16, for the barrier not to work. I knew the reason for this was because the gates at this particular station operate with a child lock turned on, meaning the barriers did not open. The balance on my Oyster was that above £20, meaning I of course had sufficient funds to start as well as finish my journey. As the gates did not open, and the train had just arrived, I opened one of the side metal gates which are intended for use when the platform is busy, but I felt as if this was justified with there being no station staff on site and therefore no other means on boarding the train in time.
After being on the train for a few minutes, a ticket inspector came along, and of course asked me to produce my valid travel authority, which after I explained to him that the gates were not working, he proceeded to issue me with a penalty fare. I told him I did not have any cash on me, nor a card, as I believed I already had the appropriate 'ticket' for travel, so would not be requiring any money on my person. This was the truth, I also do not tend to carry cash on me unless in specific circumstance as I have been mugged of my possessions before.
He said the notice would appeal in the post in 14 days, in which I accepted and informed him an appeal would be lodged. I was fully compliant as well as polite, explained the circumstances well, showed him the 50+ tickets I had on me at the time due to the fact I use the service daily in the other direction, in order to prove I am a fully paying customer looking for no trouble. I also had my season monthly ticket on me going in the other direction, adding more proof that I am a frequent passenger who pays their fares without exception.
However many months on, I still have not received any notice in the post, so could somebody advise me on what the situation is, whether or not I can expect any communication, or whether they may have dropped the case due to me providing much detailed evidence, and the inspector telling me they will review CCTV footage to ensure I was not lying or acting in a malicious way.
Many thanks, and I look forward to your responses.
