Hello,
I've received a letter from Northern Rail regarding a journey made between stations Prestbury and Poynton. I got stopped and asked to present a ticket, however I explained that I did not have chance to buy one as there is no ticket office in Prestbury and no staff on the train came through the carriages to ask for a ticket. I offered to pay for the fare at Poynton but their ticket office was closed and there were no other facilities there to buy a ticket. The person who stopped me could not take money off me either. The gentleman who stopped me was perfectly polite and understanding and said he'll note that I offered to pay him the fare and that neither station had a facility to buy a ticket at the time. He then went on to take my details and I was completely compliant and gave him everything he needed. He then said I'd receive a letter instructing me how to pay the fare which I thought was acceptable and I was on my way thinking nothing more of it. However, I haven't received a letter asking for the fare but a letter demanding I pay an £80 fine plus the fare price as I had 'avoided' paying it!? I have since written to Northern Rail and explained I in no way avoided paying the fare I just simply had no opportunity to due to the lack of facility at both stations. I also stated I am happy to pay the original outstanding fare as I did make this journey and as of yet haven't paid for it. I'd just like to know am I in the wrong? and what should I expect to hear from Northern Rail?
Many thanks.
I've received a letter from Northern Rail regarding a journey made between stations Prestbury and Poynton. I got stopped and asked to present a ticket, however I explained that I did not have chance to buy one as there is no ticket office in Prestbury and no staff on the train came through the carriages to ask for a ticket. I offered to pay for the fare at Poynton but their ticket office was closed and there were no other facilities there to buy a ticket. The person who stopped me could not take money off me either. The gentleman who stopped me was perfectly polite and understanding and said he'll note that I offered to pay him the fare and that neither station had a facility to buy a ticket at the time. He then went on to take my details and I was completely compliant and gave him everything he needed. He then said I'd receive a letter instructing me how to pay the fare which I thought was acceptable and I was on my way thinking nothing more of it. However, I haven't received a letter asking for the fare but a letter demanding I pay an £80 fine plus the fare price as I had 'avoided' paying it!? I have since written to Northern Rail and explained I in no way avoided paying the fare I just simply had no opportunity to due to the lack of facility at both stations. I also stated I am happy to pay the original outstanding fare as I did make this journey and as of yet haven't paid for it. I'd just like to know am I in the wrong? and what should I expect to hear from Northern Rail?
Many thanks.