https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/child-ticket-proof.81798/#post-1416465
This topic has been covered before.
But today in the Daily Mail
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5179307/Timpsons-boss-slams-Virgin-Trains-stranding-girl-15.html
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/oct/21/puberty-adolescence-childhood-onset
Add this to changing tastes in children’s clothing and the TOCs and the front-line staff are on a hiding to nothing,
This topic has been covered before.
But today in the Daily Mail
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5179307/Timpsons-boss-slams-Virgin-Trains-stranding-girl-15.html
The ticket inspector refused access to a millionaire’s daughter and the ordure hit the rotating ventilator.
Virgin, however, quickly saw the light.
“A spokeswoman for Virgin Trains said: 'Customers under the age of 16 are eligible for a 50 per cent discount on fares and }we do recommend that if a child looks older then it may be appropriate for proof of age to be carried when travelling”.
'We're sorry for the experience of Mr Timpson and his daughter and we are in touch with them so we can look into this properly and offer a gesture of goodwill.'
Mr Timpson later revealed that he has written to the CEO of Virgin Trains, Tony Collins, asking to meet and discuss child safety.
He wrote on Twitter: 'Thanks to everyone in Twitterland for their support during our daughters nightmare with Virgin Rail.
'I have written to the CEO requesting a meeting to discuss their Child Safeguarding policies and how under 16’s are treated. Kindness is not a sign of weakness.'
Now this a very particular set of circumstance but are numbers kept of the number of times this occurs throughout the Network? Is this a generic issue requiring a policy response?
A recommendation is not by definition enforceable. Tucking a proof of age requirement away in a set of obscure conditions of travel is also not going to wash.
There is also a biological issue with the declining age of puberty which means that children can now look older than they are.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/oct/21/puberty-adolescence-childhood-onset
Add this to changing tastes in children’s clothing and the TOCs and the front-line staff are on a hiding to nothing,
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