Hello everyone,
I am really terrified after recieved a letter from TFL today in the post. Last week I was carrying my sisters 16-18 zip oystercard and my 18+ card. I was travelling with my sister a few weeks ago and I carried her card as she didn't have any pockets or a bag. She doesn't use her oyster at all as her college is 5 minutes away.
I got onto a bus near aldgate east station and I accidently tapped her card instead of mine as they are both in wallets and I didn't notice I had used hers. (I have money topped up on mine so I had intended to use mine) I also purchase monthly top ups every month to use for uni so I did not fare dodge intentionally. I then was stopped at Stratford I gave the office my oyster card and she said it had not been used, then I realised what had happened and gave her my sisters card and said it was a genuine mistake) She took down my details and said I will get a letter in 10 days and confiscated my sisters oyster card.
Today I got a letter which said that legal procedeings may be taken against me and if I have any comments to make to write it on th ereverse side of the letter and send it within 10 days. It says I do not have to reply to the letter but it may harm my defence if I do not mention something now which I may later rely on in court. Anythint I do write may be used in evidence.
It also says failure to respond to the letter may result in the matter being progressed by TFL without further notification.
Please help me, I am terrified of the prospect of a huge fine and even more so of going to court and having a criminal record. I am 18 and a first year university student I have never had any problems with the law or tfl and I always pay my fares. As you can also understand being a university student money is scarce and overall I am just really worried at what lies ahead.
Can someone please advise me on what to do in this situation. I also try caling the number on the letter but it keeps saying it is busy.
Thanks.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I am in the process of drafting a letter which I plan to send by email. Would someone please also check it for me to see if it is a good response.
I am really terrified after recieved a letter from TFL today in the post. Last week I was carrying my sisters 16-18 zip oystercard and my 18+ card. I was travelling with my sister a few weeks ago and I carried her card as she didn't have any pockets or a bag. She doesn't use her oyster at all as her college is 5 minutes away.
I got onto a bus near aldgate east station and I accidently tapped her card instead of mine as they are both in wallets and I didn't notice I had used hers. (I have money topped up on mine so I had intended to use mine) I also purchase monthly top ups every month to use for uni so I did not fare dodge intentionally. I then was stopped at Stratford I gave the office my oyster card and she said it had not been used, then I realised what had happened and gave her my sisters card and said it was a genuine mistake) She took down my details and said I will get a letter in 10 days and confiscated my sisters oyster card.
Today I got a letter which said that legal procedeings may be taken against me and if I have any comments to make to write it on th ereverse side of the letter and send it within 10 days. It says I do not have to reply to the letter but it may harm my defence if I do not mention something now which I may later rely on in court. Anythint I do write may be used in evidence.
It also says failure to respond to the letter may result in the matter being progressed by TFL without further notification.
Please help me, I am terrified of the prospect of a huge fine and even more so of going to court and having a criminal record. I am 18 and a first year university student I have never had any problems with the law or tfl and I always pay my fares. As you can also understand being a university student money is scarce and overall I am just really worried at what lies ahead.
Can someone please advise me on what to do in this situation. I also try caling the number on the letter but it keeps saying it is busy.
Thanks.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I am in the process of drafting a letter which I plan to send by email. Would someone please also check it for me to see if it is a good response.
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