Reported for prosecution by southwestern railway

[melvin]

Hi,

I have been issues report for prosecution from southwestern railway. I was given this a week ago. When should I expect their letter and what should I expect in the letter.

I wasn’t able to show a Railcard and this is the second time. I tried applying for a Railcard but didn’t get the process right. I went to Wimbledon station for help so I can get a correct Railcard.

As it stands now I am waiting for the letter from SWR. I panick almost everyday coz I don’t know what is going to be in the letter.

I have never had any issue with police or any convictions.

Please help me out on what I should expect and what I should do.

Thank you

 

[30907]

Welcome and thank you for starting your own thread.

First, please don't panic - you are not going to prison, and even if you get taken to court and fined it may not be too serious. In any case, SWR normally agree to settle cases like yours without a court case (even though the letter will threaten prosecution).

The first time you were caught you say you paid a Penalty Fare (£50 plus £x) - that incident is over and done with.

However, you seem to have been buying discounted tickets without having a Railcard for some time, and have now been caught again, and SWR will now want you to pay them the full fare plus something towards their admin costs - you need to work out how many times you have paid the wrong fare, and find some way of paying.

When the letter comes, which may be some weeks, please come back for help and advice (upload a copy with your personal details hidden).

 

[WesternLancer]

Also go to the station and ask the ticket office staff to issue you with a Railcard over the counter. Get them to help you if you are not sure which one to buy or how to fill in the paper form. You may need to take a passport sized photo. The station may have a machine to take a photo.

They won’t ask and will not be interested in your previous tickets without a railcard. They won’t be able to help with that problem.

When you are then contacted about all this you will be able to say that you now have a legitimate railcard to prevent this problem arising again. It will help persuade them up have learned from your mistake. This is important to do.