sauron2010
On Moderation
If people did as they are told they would always buy a ticket before boarding as required by law. You committed an offence.
need i say more.....:roll:
If people did as they are told they would always buy a ticket before boarding as required by law. You committed an offence.
If people did as they are told they would always buy a ticket before boarding as required by law. You committed an offence.
Since it might be a little hard to see from all the way up there on that soapbox, I though I should point out that the choice that caused all of this was choosing to board a train without first buying a ticket.It is sad you were made to make this choice.
need i say more.....:roll:
Since it might be a little hard to see from all the way up there on that soapbox, I though I should point out that the choice that caused all of this was choosing to board a train without first buying a ticket.
Of note, the OP didn't attempt to purchase before boarding.But if you can only get a debit card and doesn't work you are automatically a criminal even though you can prove you have the means to pay. Do we really have to record attempts to purchase to prove the TOC that we tried?
You may have missed it, as the post was awaiting moderation:Which they attempted to do.
If the railway didn't give them an option to pay then it is sad. Fine saying the station had a TVM. Was it working. Neither of us know.
I agree that TOCs (and GTR in particular) don't cover themselves in glory where revenue protection activities are concerned, but in this case the OP didn't attempt to pay before boarding.I didn't see any machines and to be honest I didn't even look, the train was on the platform and I rushed to get on, so no good reason I guess.
Which they attempted to do.
Fine saying the station had a TVM. Was it working. Neither of us know.
Of note, the OP didn't attempt to purchase before boarding.
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You may have missed it, as the post was awaiting moderation:I agree that TOCs (and GTR in particular) don't cover themselves in glory where revenue protection activities are concerned, but in this case the OP didn't attempt to pay before boarding.
There is a TVM right next to the entrance and another next to the ticket counter which I would have thought you would have seen if you were able to see there was no one in the ticket office.
Hmm... in light of the evidence posted, I think it's fair to say that the ticket machines aren't exactly hidden away.Just for those of us not familiar with the station itself....
Just for those of us not familiar with the station itself.
Those sneaky railway people! Instead of placing the TVM right next to the door they've positioned it about one foot away where you could easily miss it if in a hurry. I call that entrapment.
From memory that map looks pretty accurate.
I noticed that, but the OP said that there was nobody in the ticket office. It doesn't appear to be possible to see the ticket office from Platform 3.Never been to Huntington - however, the OP said they were going from Huntington to Peterborough, which departs from Platform 3. Platform 3 can be accessed from Car Park 2, which has neither ticket machines or a booking office.
I noticed that, but the OP said that there was nobody in the ticket office. It doesn't appear to be possible to see the ticket office from Platform 3.
A couple of suggested changes:This is my draft letter i propose to email to the prosecution dept, i would be grateful for members feedback and any changes, thanks.
My only problem is the section I've highlighted - is this the first time you boarded without a ticket, or the first time you got caught? The problem is that it reads like the latter. I wouldn't encourage you to lie. If you have been in the habit of buying on board then leave this out, if it's the first time you've done it then change it to say so.Dear Sir/Madam
I write to you in relation to the above referenced charge of boarding a train without a ticket. I would first of all like offer a unreserved apology for my decision to board the train without a ticket, I recognise that this was foolish and am deeply regretful of my actions on that day.
As a result of this process I have learned that the Railway loses many millions of pounds a year due to fare evasion and thats why there must be a ardent and robust revenue protection policy.
It is the first time I have had this experience and having now felt and appreciate the severe consequences you can rest assured it will be the last time.
I fully understand your motivation to take this to court however I implore you to reconsider, I have never been charged with any criminal offence before and a criminal conviction would affect my career prospects.
I hope we can come to an amicable agreement and would like to offer to pay the outstanding fare and contribute to your costs in order to settle the matter without incurring additional costs or using your valuable time.
I would again like to express my deep regret regarding this incident and feel ashamed I caused this unfortunate situation to come about.
Thank your for your attention.
Yours Sincerely
A couple of suggested changes:
My only problem is the section I've highlighted - is this the first time you boarded without a ticket, or the first time you got caught? The problem is that it reads like the latter. I wouldn't encourage you to lie. If you have been in the habit of buying on board then leave this out, if it's the first time you've done it then change it to say so.
Normally the advice is to avoid specifying an amount and let them make the offer. If you've already spoken with the prosecutions team then make reference to that in the letter. Something likeShould I not write the exact amount of my offer in the letter? I was advised that by the person I spoke to at the prosecutions office, they said £200 was reasonable. Or do I wait for them to advise me on how much they want after I sent the letter. Thanks
I hope we can come to an amicable agreement and would like to offer to pay the outstanding fare and contribute to your costs in order to settle the matter without incurring additional costs or using your valuable time. Having spoken with XXXXX I was advised that £200 would be an appropriate amount.
Since they have already suggested an amount, you might consider attaching cheque (and of course referring to it in the letter). Hope you get a favourable response.Will do, thank you so much for your time and effort.
Again, if they advised that email is acceptable then I'm remiss to counter that advice.[D]o you think I should go down the email route as advised or with letter/cheque? Thanks
Excellent news, glad to hear it. Just remember to buy before boarding in future.I have just received a email saying my offer has been accepted...
Excellent news, glad to hear it. Just remember to buy before boarding in future.
Some may appear (and some may be) cynical, but as you will have noted some look for any reason they can find that no offence was committed at all. Cynicism tends to be bred by this.I have just received a email saying my offer has been accepted, have been given a telephone number to pay with debit card, thank you everyone who actually tried to be constructive and helpful rather than cynical, special thanks to NajaB.