Please advise - being prosecuted for travelling in 1st class on Thameslink

[AlFiEd]

I was on the train from Brighton to St Pancras, sitting in a first class carriage.

On the Thameslink trains I travel on in London the first class carriage is declassified (it says 'no first class on this train') so I presumed it was the same on this Thameslink train.

I'd had a difficult, emotional day, so perhaps I wasn't paying as much attention as I should have as I didn't notice if there were signs saying it wasn't declassified.

A member of staff I presumed was a ticket inspector (but later said she was a revenue inspector) asked to see my ticket, which I showed her (a valid standard ticket for my entire journey). She then left me for five minutes as she was arguing in a raised voice with the person behind me, in Spanish I think. As she'd left me, I presumed that was my ticket check complete. She then came back and demanded to see ID. I asked why and she said because I didn't have a valid first class ticket. I explained I'd presumed the carriage was declassified, as it is on my usual train. She told me it wasnt, that it was only the other first class carriage on the train that was declassified. I said I didnt understand, so I could sit in another first class carriage on the same train with a standard ticket and that would be OK, but I couldn't sit in this first class carriage? I was confused, but I apologised and said I would move into a standard carriage and tried to stand up. She stood in front of me and blocked me so I couldnt leave my seat. She raised her voice and said did I want her to call the police, as she would if I didn't show my ID. She was very close, which made me feel more nervous and intimidated.

The train stopped at Gatwick and I asked if we could get off, as I was panicking and didnt want to be trapped in my seat anymore. When we got off the train I again tried to apologise and said I still didn't understand why it would have been OK if I'd been on the other first class carriage but not this one. I explained I was in a distressed state because it was a death anniversary, but she did not acknowledge this, she said I would be prosecuted, because I hadn't complied. I gave the details requested and received a receipt.

I got on the next train to London, crying and shaking, because the whole experience was horrible and I still don't understand how my ticket would have been valid if I'd been on another first class carriage on the same train.

Then when I got to East Croydon I had to change trains again, as theres signal failure, so a journey which should have taken 1hr 20 mins took 2hrs30mins.

And I don't even know what it means to be prosecuted, is that a criminal charge?

 

[transportphoto]

Within the next six months, Govia Thameslink Railway will write to you saying that they are considering the case for prosecution via the Magistrates Court (Criminal Court). They’ll likely ask you for your version of events.

Please upload an anonymised photo/scan of the receipt you were given.

 

[AlFiEd]

Here is receipt

Within the next six months, Govia Thameslink Railway will write to you saying that they are considering the case for prosecution via the Magistrates Court (Criminal Court). They’ll likely ask you for your version of events.

Please upload an anonymised photo/scan of the receipt you were given.

 

[furlong]

She told me it wasnt, that it was only the other first class carriage on the train that was declassified. I said I didnt understand, so I could sit in another first class carriage on the same train with a standard ticket and that would be OK, but I couldn't sit in this first class carriage?

Daft, isn't it? They should not be able to get away with this, but unfortunately none of the authorities that have the power to deal with sharp practices like this seem to have any interest in doing so. If you tried to defend yourself in court on the basis that their own actions encouraged you to commit the very offence they are prosecuting you for, you'd risk a large legal bill with no guarantee of winning.

The fact it is declassified is only visible on a changing electronic display for a few seconds and then you have to wait several minutes before it tells you again. It makes a nonsense of the idea that a simple "1st class" sign means it is first class. They should have invested in permanent signage that set out the rules you could use to determine for yourself whether or not it really was.

Did they take photos of the notices that say you can only sit there if you possess a first class ticket as evidence? There may be an argument that the signs were insufficient to meet the legal requirement needed for a successful prosecution.

Except with permission from an authorised person, no person shall remain in any seat, berth or any part of a train where a notice indicates that it is reserved for a specified ticket holder or holders of tickets of a specific class, except the holder of a valid ticket entitling him to be in that particular place.

No person shall be subject to any penalty for breach of any of the Byelaws by disobeying a notice unless it is proved to the satisfaction of the Court before whom the complaint is laid that the notice referred to in the particular Byelaw was displayed.

In practice though, if you ask in the right way, the rail company will nearly always accept a payment as an alternative to prosecution .

 

[WesternLancer]

I was on the train from Brighton to St Pancras, sitting in a first class carriage.

On the Thameslink trains I travel on in London the first class carriage is declassified (it says 'no first class on this train') so I presumed it was the same on this Thameslink train.

I'd had a difficult, emotional day, so perhaps I wasn't paying as much attention as I should have as I didn't notice if there were signs saying it wasn't declassified.

A member of staff I presumed was a ticket inspector (but later said she was a revenue inspector) asked to see my ticket, which I showed her (a valid standard ticket for my entire journey). She then left me for five minutes as she was arguing in a raised voice with the person behind me, in Spanish I think. It didn't seem very professional to be arguing with a customer, but as she'd left me, I presumed that was my ticket check complete. She then came back and demanded to see ID. I asked why and she said because I didn't have a valid first class ticket. I explained I'd presumed the carriage was declassified, as it is on my usual train. She told me it wasnt, that it was only the other first class carriage on the train that was declassified. I said I didnt understand, so I could sit in another first class carriage on the same train with a standard ticket and that would be OK, but I couldn't sit in this first class carriage? I was confused, but I apologised and said I would move into a standard carriage and tried to stand up. She stood in front of me and blocked me so I couldnt leave my seat. She raised her voice, seemed angry, and I didn't feel that she was listening to me. She said did I want her to call the police, as she would if I didn't show my ID. She was very close, and made physical contact, which made me feel more nervous and intimidated.

The train stopped at Gatwick and I asked if we could get off, as I was panicking and didnt want to be trapped in my seat anymore. When we got off the train I again tried to apologise and said I still didn't understand why it would have been OK if I'd been on the other first class carriage but not this one. I explained I was in a distressed state because it was a death anniversary, but she did not acknowledge this, she said I would be prosecuted, because I hadn't complied. I gave the details requested and received a receipt.

I got on the next train to London, crying and shaking, because the whole experience was horrible and I still don't understand how my ticket would have been valid if I'd been on another first class carriage on the same train.

Then when I got to East Croydon I had to change trains again, as theres signal failure, so a journey which should have taken 1hr 20 mins took 2hrs30mins.

And I don't even know what it means to be prosecuted, is that a criminal charge?

Confusingly thameslink trains on the Sutton loop service have all first class declassified iirc, but other thameslink routes have the rear first class area declassified.

This does not apply on other train operators services on the routes concerned.

This is unhelpful to people who don’t know the detail but sadly it is the passenger’s responsibility to check. The reason must be that they wish to retain a portion of seating exclusively for people who have paid for first class tickets on the routes concerned.

Easy for me to say but advice would be to not sit in any first class unless you know the rules for certain.

It would probably have been simpler if the matter had been dealt with by a Penalty Fare but it seems like that didn’t happen.

You can avoid prosecution by engaging with them but it’s vital that you reply to letters/or e mails from them. So hopefully you gave them correct postal address and you must watch your post.

You can get advice from here on how to reply.

 

[island]

It would probably have been simpler if the matter had been dealt with by a Penalty Fare but it seems like that didn’t happen.

It would potentially have happened if the OP had cooperated at the time.

Unfortunately for the OP, it is a criminal offence to travel in a 1st class seat without 1st class ticket or other permission, and "assuming" it was okay because it is on another train doesn't Change that.

 

[AlFiEd]

I have received a notice of intention to prosecute. Does anyone have advice on how best to respond and also on what is the liklihood of them taking this to magistrates court?

 

[Fawkes Cat]

I have received a notice of intention to prosecute. Does anyone have advice on how best to respond and also on what is the liklihood of them taking this to magistrates court?

Don't panic! Although the letter says that it's a 'notice of intention to prosecute' you'll see from the bit in red that actually they want you to write back and give your side of the story. If you look through other threads in this forum, you'll see that
- @Hadders gives some excellent advice on what to do in response to this letter (and they may well be along shortly to give you a personalised version), and
- if you can convincingly tell the railway that you won't be making the same mistake again, then they are very likely to let you settle out of court, probably for around £150 in costs plus the train fare that you should have paid (which in this case will probably be the first class fare)

Essentially, the railway want you to apologise and confirm that you understand that you were in the wrong: if you can also say what you will do in future to avoid the matter happening again (which as someone has suggested upthread could, in this case, mean always sitting in the designated standard class accommodation rather than going for the comfort of what you think is declassified first class) then that will help the railway to accept that you've a plan to avoid future trouble.

 

[WesternLancer]

I have received a notice of intention to prosecute. Does anyone have advice on how best to respond and also on what is the liklihood of them taking this to magistrates court?

there is only a very slim chance of this ending up in the magistrates court if you respond to this and apologise for the misunderstanding and offer to resolve the matter by paying any outstanding fare due etc as per advice in post #8

Post your draft reply up here and people will check that you get it as good as you can do before sending it back to them. Don't miss their response deadline. keep copies of what you send, send it tracked post from a post office so you know they have got your reply.

 

[Harpo]

I apologised and said I would move into a standard carriage and tried to stand up. She stood in front of me and blocked me so I couldnt leave my seat.

I am baffled by the RPI’s stance on this. In 50+ years extensive rail travel, I’ve seen countless instances of 2nd/standard ticket holders being allowed to leave first. I’ve never seen it progressed beyond that.

I particularly remember a lady senior conductor tactfully ask, ‘did you want me to upgrade your ticket to first class?’ An aggression-free approach devoid of stress for either party. Maybe the days of diplomacy are behind us though?

 

[jfollows]

I am baffled by the RPI’s stance on this. In 50+ years extensive rail travel, I’ve seen countless instances of 2nd/standard ticket holders being allowed to leave first. I’ve never seen it progressed beyond that.

I particularly remember a lady senior conductor tactfully ask, ‘did you want me to upgrade your ticket to first class?’ An aggression-free approach devoid of stress for either party. Maybe the days of diplomacy are behind us though?

I think you’re out of date; allowing people to “get away with it” until challenged seems no longer to be standard practice and, to be honest, shouldn’t be unless a genuine mistake is suspected. Discretion is OK of course, but for people who actually pay the proper fare it’s a bit off to see others “get away with it” like this.

 

[AlterEgo]

I am baffled by the RPI’s stance on this. In 50+ years extensive rail travel, I’ve seen countless instances of 2nd/standard ticket holders being allowed to leave first. I’ve never seen it progressed beyond that.

I have seen it a few times - if you get an RPI instead of a conductor, you've had it. Penalty fare or prosecution.

 

[WesternLancer]

I am baffled by the RPI’s stance on this. In 50+ years extensive rail travel, I’ve seen countless instances of 2nd/standard ticket holders being allowed to leave first. I’ve never seen it progressed beyond that.

I particularly remember a lady senior conductor tactfully ask, ‘did you want me to upgrade your ticket to first class?’ An aggression-free approach devoid of stress for either party. Maybe the days of diplomacy are behind us though?

I think it will always be different approach between trains with guards and one person operated trains like Thameslink supported by 'robust' RPI enforcement.

Personally I do not think people should be asked to leave 1st class. I think they should be required to pay the 1st class difference in fare since they have usually already benefitted from sitting in it for part of the journey anyway. Only on refusal to pay that should it be escalated. But that's a separate matter than this case so I'm at risk of taking things off topic.

But that is why my advice to the OP here is to make it clear they are prepared to pay the 1st class fare due in their response to the letter they have got. But also to say they got confused about the correct declassified areas, since we know (from a recent v lengthy thread) that some people do find Thameslink's approach confusing, which is the reason given by @AlFiEd in this case and which I have no reason to doubt.

 

[furlong]

Write back explaining your understandable confusion and that you now understand the system of how you check what actually is and is not first class (do you?), apologising and asking if they will consider taking no action in the circumstances or failing that settling out-of-court (for example by paying for the first class upgrade).

The railway does itself no favours here. You cannot even trust the information screens at the stations to get this right. I travelled in declassified first class accommodation at the weekend on a service where the station's information systems still indicted this train service DID possess first class despite this not having been the case on the route in question for a very long time now! (Online data correctly showed no first class.)

 

[AlFiEd]

Here's my draft response. From looking at other threads I'm guessing this is too long and that I need to cut out the details about my interaction with the Officer?

Dear Fare Evasion Manager

I am writing in response to notice of intention to prosecute dated 31st December 2024 reference XXX.

Firstly, I would like to apologise for travelling on a Thameslink train in a first class carriage on a standard class ticket. I now realise that on some Thameslink trains one first class carriage may be declassified while the other is not, so to avoid repeating my mistake in the future I will always sit in clearly designated standard class accommodation.

I appreciate the opportunity to explain what happened on the day and I would be grateful for the opportunity to settle this matter without the need for court action. I am prepared to pay the appropriate fare plus any administrative costs you feel appropriate.

On 4th October I travelled from Brighton to London with a valid standard class ticket for my journey. On the return journey I boarded the train at Brighton into a first class carriage that was displayed as declassified.

I walked through the train to the last carriage so I would be closer to my station exit when leaving the train. This carriage was also first class and I assumed that it would also be declassified and, due to my presumption, I did not pay attention to the display to see that this was not the case.

During my journey a Revenue Protection Officer approached me and asked to see my ticket. I showed her my valid standard ticket and rail pass on my phone. The Officer then requested to see ID. I didn't understand why I was required to show ID to validate my travel so I asked why this was necessary. It was at this point that the Officer said that my ticket was not valid for this first class carriage. The Officer stated that my standard ticket would be valid on the first class carriage at the other end of the train, but not on this first class carriage.

I was surprised and confused by this, as I travel on the Thameslink train to work every morning in London and the first class carriages at either end of the train are declassified. However, I apologised and said I would move into a standard coach. I stood up to move carriages and the Officer said that if I tried to leave my seat or didn't show my ID she would call the police.

When the train arrived at Gatwick I asked if we could leave the train in the hope that, if I did have to pay for a first class ticket, it would only be to Gatwick rather than to London. On the platform I provided my ID information as requested. I had no available means on the spot to pay the additional fare and fine so a prosecution notice was issued.

 

[30907]

Here's my draft response. From looking at other threads I'm guessing this is too long and that I need to cut out the details about my interaction with the Officer?

Afraid so! Given that GTR will almost certainly agree to settle, and their admin costs are relatively low, I would focus on your (unintentional, and even understandable) error.
As a later follow up, you could contact GTR and complain about the heavy-handed approach (or even about their policy on 1st class!).

 

[WesternLancer]

Here's my draft response. From looking at other threads I'm guessing this is too long and that I need to cut out the details about my interaction with the Officer?

Dear Fare Evasion Manager

I am writing in response to notice of intention to prosecute dated 31st December 2024 reference XXX.

Firstly, I would like to apologise for travelling on a Thameslink train in a first class carriage on a standard class ticket. I now realise that on some Thameslink trains one first class carriage may be declassified while the other is not, so to avoid repeating my mistake in the future I will always sit in clearly designated standard class accommodation.

I appreciate the opportunity to explain what happened on the day and I would be grateful for the opportunity to settle this matter without the need for court action. I am prepared to pay the appropriate fare plus any administrative costs you feel appropriate.

On 4th October I travelled from Brighton to London with a valid standard class ticket for my journey. On the return journey I boarded the train at Brighton into a first class carriage that was displayed as declassified.

I walked through the train to the last carriage so I would be closer to my station exit when leaving the train. This carriage was also first class and I assumed that it would also be declassified and, due to my presumption, I did not pay attention to the display to see that this was not the case.

During my journey a Revenue Protection Officer approached me and asked to see my ticket. I showed her my valid standard ticket and rail pass on my phone. The Officer then requested to see ID. I didn't understand why I was required to show ID to validate my travel so I asked why this was necessary. It was at this point that the Officer said that my ticket was not valid for this first class carriage. The Officer stated that my standard ticket would be valid on the first class carriage at the other end of the train, but not on this first class carriage.

I was surprised and confused by this, as I travel on the Thameslink train to work every morning in London and the first class carriages at either end of the train are declassified. However, I apologised and said I would move into a standard coach. I stood up to move carriages and the Officer said that if I tried to leave my seat or didn't show my ID she would call the police.

When the train arrived at Gatwick I asked if we could leave the train in the hope that, if I did have to pay for a first class ticket, it would only be to Gatwick rather than to London. On the platform I provided my ID information as requested. I had no available means on the spot to pay the additional fare and fine so a prosecution notice was issued.

For your future reference it is the 1st class compartment at the rear of the train that is declassified on Thameslink such that standard class ticket holders can use it (not on Southern or any other operators on the route however). Whether the train is going north or south it is always the compartment at the rear.

There is little to indicate this to passengers it must be said, but the scrolling info screen on the ceiling in that rear compartment mentions this every few minutes / occasionally (blink and you might miss it however).

 

[AlFiEd]

Is this better....(keen to send of today)

Dear Fare Evasion Manager

I am writing in response to notice of intention to prosecute dated 31st December 2024 reference XXX.

Firstly, I would like to apologise for travelling on a Thameslink train in a first class carriage on a standard class ticket. I now realise that on some Thameslink trains the rear first class carriage may be declassified while the front first class carriage is not. To avoid repeating my mistake, in the future I will always sit in clearly designated standard class accommodation.

I appreciate the opportunity to explain what happened on the day and I would be grateful for the opportunity to settle this matter without the need for court action. I am prepared to pay the appropriate fare plus any administrative costs you feel appropriate.

On 4th October I travelled from Brighton to London with a valid standard class ticket for my journey. On the return journey I boarded the train at Brighton into the rear first class carriage that was displayed as declassified.

I walked through the train to the last carriage so I would be closer to my station exit when leaving the train. This carriage was also first class and I assumed that it would also be declassified and, due to my presumption, I did not pay attention to the display to see that this was not the case.

During my journey I was approached by a Revenue Protection Officer who stated that my ticket was not valid on this first class carriage. They explained that it would be valid on the first class carriage at the back of the train, but not on this first class carriage at the front of the train.

I was confused by this, but I recognise this is because of the presumption I had made due to travelling on the Thameslink train to work every morning in London, where both first class carriages are declassified. I apologised and provided my ID information as requested. However, I had no available means on the spot to pay the additional fare and fine so a prosecution notice was issued.

 

[WesternLancer]

Is this better....(keen to send of today)

Dear Fare Evasion Manager

I am writing in response to notice of intention to prosecute dated 31st December 2024 reference XXX.

Firstly, I would like to apologise for travelling on a Thameslink train in a first class carriage on a standard class ticket. I now realise that on some Thameslink trains the rear first class carriage may be declassified while the front first class carriage is not. To avoid repeating my mistake, in the future I will always sit in clearly designated standard class accommodation.

I appreciate the opportunity to explain what happened on the day and I would be grateful for the opportunity to settle this matter without the need for court action. I am prepared to pay the appropriate fare plus any administrative costs you feel appropriate.

On 4th October I travelled from Brighton to London with a valid standard class ticket for my journey. On the return journey I boarded the train at Brighton into the rear first class carriage that was displayed as declassified.

I walked through the train to the last carriage so I would be closer to my station exit when leaving the train. This carriage was also first class and I assumed that it would also be declassified and, due to my presumption, I did not pay attention to the display to see that this was not the case.

During my journey I was approached by a Revenue Protection Officer who stated that my ticket was not valid on this first class carriage. They explained that it would be valid on the first class carriage at the back of the train, but not on this first class carriage at the front of the train.

I was confused by this, but I recognise this is because of the presumption I had made due to travelling on the Thameslink train to work every morning in London, where both first class carriages are declassified. I apologised and provided my ID information as requested. However, I had no available means on the spot to pay the additional fare and fine so a prosecution notice was issued.

explaining what happened is not really as important as asking them what you want. Which is not to be prosecuted.

So you need to end with a request to them that they don’t take the matter to court and would they kindly allow you to pay the fare owed ‘to resolve the matter without the need for court action’

This is vital. You must have this request as your concluding point. Even though you do request it earlier on. Make it the last thing the reader notes. There is no harm in repeating this point in my view.

Good luck.

 

[AlFiEd]

Thanks @WesternLancer, is this better or shall I cut the bit in ():

Dear Fare Evasion Manager

I am writing in response to notice of intention to prosecute dated 31st December 2024 reference XXX.

Firstly, I would like to apologise for travelling on a Thameslink train in a first class carriage on a standard class ticket. I now realise that on some Thameslink trains the rear first class carriage may be declassified while the front first class carriage is not. To avoid repeating my mistake, in the future I will always sit in clearly designated standard class accommodation.

I appreciate the opportunity to explain what happened on the day and I would be grateful for the opportunity to settle this matter without the need for court action. I am prepared to pay the appropriate fare plus any administrative costs you feel appropriate.

On 4th October I travelled from Brighton to London with a valid standard class ticket for my journey. (On the return journey I boarded the train at Brighton into the rear first class carriage that was displayed as declassified. I walked through the train to the last carriage so I would be closer to my station exit when leaving the train. This carriage was also first class and I assumed that it would also be declassified and, due to my presumption, I did not pay attention to the display to see that this was not the case and this is my mistake.)

During my journey I was approached by a Revenue Protection Officer who stated that my ticket was not valid on this first class carriage. I apologised and provided my ID information as requested. However, I had no available means on the spot to pay the additional fare and fine so a prosecution notice was issued.

Please allow me to pay the fare owed and resolve this matter without the need for court action.

 

[WesternLancer]

Thanks @WesternLancer, is this better or shall I cut the bit in ():

Dear Fare Evasion Manager

I am writing in response to notice of intention to prosecute dated 31st December 2024 reference XXX.

Firstly, I would like to apologise for travelling on a Thameslink train in a first class carriage on a standard class ticket. I now realise that on some Thameslink trains the rear first class carriage may be declassified while the front first class carriage is not. To avoid repeating my mistake, in the future I will always sit in clearly designated standard class accommodation.

I appreciate the opportunity to explain what happened on the day and I would be grateful for the opportunity to settle this matter without the need for court action. I am prepared to pay the appropriate fare plus any administrative costs you feel appropriate.

On 4th October I travelled from Brighton to London with a valid standard class ticket for my journey. (On the return journey I boarded the train at Brighton into the rear first class carriage that was displayed as declassified. I walked through the train to the last carriage so I would be closer to my station exit when leaving the train. This carriage was also first class and I assumed that it would also be declassified and, due to my presumption, I did not pay attention to the display to see that this was not the case and this is my mistake.)

During my journey I was approached by a Revenue Protection Officer who stated that my ticket was not valid on this first class carriage. I apologised and provided my ID information as requested. However, I had no available means on the spot to pay the additional fare and fine so a prosecution notice was issued.

Please allow me to pay the fare owed and resolve this matter without the need for court action.

Thanks. Ref bit in brackets you could cut it out or drastically simplify it eg. ‘I believed first class was declassified on these trains but did not understand only one first class area is in fact declassified . I was confused about this but now understand the situation’

If you want to make that point.

Perhaps add a line to make it clear you’re not just a fare dodger eg ‘please be assured I had no intention to deliberately avoid paying the correct fare’

Maybe wait till this afternoon before sending to see if any other comments from others.

Keep copies of everything, send it tracked post so you can prove it got there if you need to. From a local post office so ideally catch todays post by about 3pm

 

[AlFiEd]

Better?

Dear Fare Evasion Manager

I am writing in response to notice of intention to prosecute dated 31st December 2024 reference XXX.

Firstly, I would like to apologise for travelling on a Thameslink train in a first class carriage on a standard class ticket.

Please be assured I had no intention to deliberately avoid paying the correct fare and I appreciate the chance to explain what happened on the day.

On 4th October I travelled from Brighton to London with a valid standard class ticket for my journey. I boarded the train at Brighton into the declassified first class carriage at the rear of the train. I walked through the train to the front first class carriage, assuming that it would also be declassified.

During my journey I was approached by a Revenue Protection Officer who stated that my ticket was not valid on this first class carriage. I apologised and provided my ID information as requested. However, I had no available means on the spot to pay the additional fare and fine so a prosecution notice was issued.

I now understand that on some Thameslink trains the rear first class carriage may be declassified while the front first class carriage is not. To avoid repeating my mistake, in the future I will always sit in clearly designated standard class accommodation.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to resolve this matter without the need for court action and am prepared to pay the appropriate fare plus any administrative costs you feel appropriate.

 

[30907]

Looks reasonable enough to me

 

[WesternLancer]

Better?

Dear Fare Evasion Manager

I am writing in response to notice of intention to prosecute dated 31st December 2024 reference XXX.

Firstly, I would like to apologise for travelling on a Thameslink train in a first class carriage on a standard class ticket.

Please be assured I had no intention to deliberately avoid paying the correct fare and I appreciate the chance to explain what happened on the day.

On 4th October I travelled from Brighton to London with a valid standard class ticket for my journey. I boarded the train at Brighton into the declassified first class carriage at the rear of the train. I walked through the train to the front first class carriage, assuming that it would also be declassified.

During my journey I was approached by a Revenue Protection Officer who stated that my ticket was not valid on this first class carriage. I apologised and provided my ID information as requested. However, I had no available means on the spot to pay the additional fare and fine so a prosecution notice was issued.

I now understand that on some Thameslink trains the rear first class carriage may be declassified while the front first class carriage is not. To avoid repeating my mistake, in the future I will always sit in clearly designated standard class accommodation.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to resolve this matter without the need for court action and am prepared to pay the appropriate fare plus any administrative costs you feel appropriate.

Yes, looks good to me.

 

[AlFiEd]

Thank you for your help @WesternLancer , @30907 , @Fawkes Cat , @furlong and all. I received an out of court settlement today of just over £100 which I've paid. Done!

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you for your help @WesternLancer , @30907 , @Fawkes Cat , @furlong and all. I received an out of court settlement today of just over £100 which I've paid. Done!

Glad to hear this concludes the matter. Thanks for updating.

I would just advise keeping your proof of payment and all the paperwork associated with this and keep it long term (eg at least a year) you will probably never need it but best to have it just in case you do.