I had valid ticket but internet was down so I couldn't show railcard

[AyupDuckie]

Six months ago, I was travelling through Birmingham New Street when inspectors at the auto gate check tickets and railcards (usually I can just scan and exit). Although I had both, my railcard app was running slowly and wouldn’t load in time. I needed to catch a connecting train at Birmingham Moor Street, so I explained to the inspector that I might miss that service. He told me to provide proof of my railcard later via the website and asked for my details;


Well... turned out it was a fine ticket, he didn't inform me that (I am international student and doesn't know much about how it works)
I only gave half of my first name and missed a letter in my last name. Today, I discovered a letter—dated six months ago—informing me of a £104.80 penalty fare. I still have valid evidence of both my railcard and ticket.

At this point, I’d like to know whether it’s too late to appeal the fine or if I should remain silent, given that my name details were incomplete.

 

[island]

was this before last November?

 

[AyupDuckie]

was this before last November?

it was on 29th November xx

 

[KirkstallOne]

You need to follow this up as there is every chance you have been convicted of a crime without your knowledge which you may discover at an inconvenient time. They had a 6 month window to prosecute so if they were going to it will have happened by now.

It is too late to appeal but I suggest contacting the train company and asking what the status of the Penalty Fare is.

For more detailed advice could you upload a copy of the letter with your name and any reference numbers redacted.

Further, giving a false name is a separate offence so I would advise not saying anything about that. Why have you only discovered this letter now and why did you not realise that you had been issued a penalty? They must have offered you a chance to pay £54.80 on the spot.

 

[WesternLancer]

Six months ago, I was travelling through Birmingham New Street when inspectors at the auto gate check tickets and railcards (usually I can just scan and exit). Although I had both, my railcard app was running slowly and wouldn’t load in time. I needed to catch a connecting train at Birmingham Moor Street, so I explained to the inspector that I might miss that service. He told me to provide proof of my railcard later via the website and asked for my details;


Well... turned out it was a fine ticket, he didn't inform me that (I am international student and doesn't know much about how it works)
I only gave half of my first name and missed a letter in my last name. Today, I discovered a letter—dated six months ago—informing me of a £104.80 penalty fare. I still have valid evidence of both my railcard and ticket.

At this point, I’d like to know whether it’s too late to appeal the fine or if I should remain silent, given that my name details were incomplete.

My instinct is you should not ignore this in the hope it will go away. A minor error in your name won’t mean they might not find you.

As an international student if this escalated or has done so it could create more significant problems for you as an escalation here could be a criminal prosecution so it’s not like a parking ticket offence.

You need to follow up this to find out what’s happened.

You will get advice here on them what is best to do.

Search for other hard copy post you may have been sent.

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

Please can you post redacted copies of all the letters and notices you have about this case. We need this to be able to give you the best advice.