WMR Letter

[joe0303]

I have just received a letter stating:

"a person giving the above name and address was questioned by a member of the Revenue Protection Team, employed by West Midlands Railway, in relation to the payment of a rail fare.

All the available evidence is being considered as to whether legal proceedings are appropriate."

Then it invites me to consider if there are any mitigating factors and there's a box at the bottom of the letter to fill out name address, occupation etc.

What am I to expect to come out of this incident? I did not pay the fine on the spot however I am pretty sure I wasn't given the option to pay it on the spot. I believe the man taking my details said I am due a letter to pay the fare, however this letter doesn't particularly indicate I'm paying anything.

I was caught in a sting where the inspectors checked every ticket before you could pass through the gates.

 

[island]

Fares must normally be paid before getting on a train.

To fully answer your query we would need to understand where you were travelling from and to, what ticket (if any) you held, and where precisely you were inspected.

 

[joe0303]

To fully answer your query we would need to understand where you were travelling from and to, what ticket (if any) you held, and where precisely you were inspected.

solihull to birmingham snow hill, i believe i held a ticket doing small heath to snow hill or something along those line, which is the same line but later on (incident occurred in january), i was inspected at the gates of birmingham snow hill

 

[AlterEgo]

solihull to birmingham snow hill, i believe i held a ticket doing small heath to snow hill or something along those line, which is the same line but later on (incident occurred in january), i was inspected at the gates of birmingham snow hill

You weren’t Penalty Fared because this is intentional short faring and evidence of trying to evade the fare. They’ve reported you for prosecution.

Fortunately WMR usually settle out of court for these matters, but usually after auditing any online ticket purchase accounts you have to see how many times you’ve done it. You can expect to have to repay any fare/s evaded plus about £100 in admin fees.

You can find examples of types of apology letter to send back in the various threads on this part of the forum.

 

[joe0303]

You weren’t Penalty Fared because this is intentional short faring and evidence of trying to evade the fare. They’ve reported you for prosecution.

Fortunately WMR usually settle out of court for these matters, but usually after auditing any online ticket purchase accounts you have to see how many times you’ve done it. You can expect to have to repay any fare/s evaded plus about £100 in admin fees.

You can find examples of types of apology letter to send back in the various threads on this part of the forum.

how do they know what accounts you have? do you have to provide an email or something?
could you potentially link me to any of these apology letters?

 

[SargeNpton]

how do they know what accounts you have? do you have to provide an email or something?
could you potentially link me to any of these apology letters?

If you have an account with an on-line retailer (Trainline for example), and WMR suspects that this is not the first time that you have done this, then they can ask the retailer for your purchase history.

 

[joe0303]

You weren’t Penalty Fared because this is intentional short faring and evidence of trying to evade the fare. They’ve reported you for prosecution.

Fortunately WMR usually settle out of court for these matters, but usually after auditing any online ticket purchase accounts you have to see how many times you’ve done it. You can expect to have to repay any fare/s evaded plus about £100 in admin fees.

You can find examples of types of apology letter to send back in the various threads on this part of the forum.

"If you consider that there are further mitigating factors that may influence any decision that may be made about this matter you are invited to respond, within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you wish to make any comments about the incident, please do so on the reverse of this letter."

Am I expected to attach an apology or to write it on the back of the letter I were sent.

 

[transportphoto]

Am I expected to attach an apology or to write it on the back of the letter I were sent.

You may do either - however bear in mind that you do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned [now] something which you may later rely on in court.

We can only advocate for you to be honest.

Whichever option you take, make sure to keep a copy of any correspondence both sent and received.

 

[joe0303]

You may do either - however bear in mind that you do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned [now] something which you may later rely on in court.

We can only advocate for you to be honest.

Whichever option you take, make sure to keep a copy of any correspondence both sent and received.

What do you feel is the likely outcome of this short faring incident? I am drafting an apology as we speak if you'd be able to proofread it for me?

 

[transportphoto]

What do you feel is the likely outcome of this short faring incident? I am drafting an apology as we speak if you'd be able to proofread it for me?

Ultimately you could be criminally prosecuted in a Magistrate’s Court for intentionally avoiding the payment of the correct fare for your journey. You’d be asked by the court to plead guilty/not guilty and a trial as appropriate.

You may however be able to agree a financial settlement with the railway company to avoid this.

 

[Bletchleyite]

What do you feel is the likely outcome of this short faring incident? I am drafting an apology as we speak if you'd be able to proofread it for me?

If it's your first time caught, the usual would be an administrative fee of about £100 plus the cost of all the fares they believe you evaded at the Anytime (Day) Single rate. If you've done it a lot, this could be rather hefty, but if you did commit the offences it is always best to settle, even if it means you have to borrow money, as a Court fine will usually be higher and could, if they go down the Regulation of Railways Act line, give you a criminal record which may cause you problems elsewhere in life.

They don't however have to settle and can decide to proceed to Court. If you have done this more than once (be careful about stating here if you have or not, as it may be evidence if they work out who you are - rail companies do read here!) you may wish to seek professional paid legal advice on how to best mitigate the penalties.

 

[joe0303]

Ultimately you could be criminally prosecuted in a Magistrate’s Court for intentionally avoiding the payment of the correct fare for your journey. You’d be asked by the court to plead guilty/not guilty and a trial as appropriate.

You may however be able to agree a financial settlement with the railway company to avoid this.

If it's your first time caught, the usual would be an administrative fee of about £100 plus the cost of all the fares they believe you evaded at the Anytime (Day) Single rate. If you've done it a lot, this could be rather hefty, but if you did commit the offences it is always best to settle, even if it means you have to borrow money, as a Court fine will usually be higher and could, if they go down the Regulation of Railways Act line, give you a criminal record which may cause you problems elsewhere in life.

It is indeed the first offence. I am also aiming my apology towards an out of court settlement:


Dear West Midlands Railway,

I am writing to offer my sincere apologies for not being able to produce a valid ticket during my recent journey. I am deeply sorry for any inconvenience or frustration that my actions may have caused, and I understand the importance of following the rules and regulations of the railway.

I wish to assure you that I have learned from this experience and I am committed to ensuring that it does not happen again in the future. In light of this incident, I am actively looking into purchasing a railcard or season ticket in order to legitimately reduce my fare costs and to ensure that I am always able to produce a valid ticket when traveling on your trains.

I am keen to settle this matter amicably and without the need for court action. I would like to offer to pay the outstanding fare and any other administrative costs incurred in dealing with this matter. Please let me know the amount owed and the payment process, and I will make the payment promptly.

Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience caused and I hope that we can resolve this matter as quickly and smoothly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.


How do this sound?

 

[Haywain]

however bear in mind that you do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned [now] something which you may later rely on in court.

That is for an interview under caution and not for written communication. However, it is not advisable for the OP to incriminate himself but simply to answer the points raised by the train operator.

Dear West Midlands Railway,

I am writing to offer my sincere apologies for not being able to produce a valid ticket during my recent journey. I am deeply sorry for any inconvenience or frustration that my actions may have caused, and I understand the importance of following the rules and regulations of the railway.

I wish to assure you that I have learned from this experience and I am committed to ensuring that it does not happen again in the future. In light of this incident, I am actively looking into purchasing a railcard or season ticket in order to legitimately reduce my fare costs and to ensure that I am always able to produce a valid ticket when traveling on your trains.

I am keen to settle this matter amicably and without the need for court action. I would like to offer to pay the outstanding fare and any other administrative costs incurred in dealing with this matter. Please let me know the amount owed and the payment process, and I will make the payment promptly.

Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience caused and I hope that we can resolve this matter as quickly and smoothly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.


How do this sound?

I think the train operator will take more reassurance from knowing that you have actually done something rather than that you are "actively looking into" doing something. If you qualify for a railcard, buy one and tell them you have done. And tell them you will ensure you pay the correct amount in future. They don't want to read false promises.

 

[transportphoto]

That is for an interview under caution and not for written communication. However, it is not advisable for the OP to incriminate himself but simply to answer the points raised by the train operator.

Indeed, and probably not the best worded copy of the caution. It’s likely that a version of the above may well be printed onto the correspondence from the TOC.

 

[Haywain]

Indeed, and probably not the best worded copy of the caution. It’s likely that a version of the above may well be printed onto the correspondence from the TOC.

No, because no caution is necessary for written communication!

 

[Hadders]

Indeed, and probably not the best worded copy of the caution. It’s likely that a version of the above may well be printed onto the correspondence from the TOC.

The standard letter sent out by companies like GTR and WMT doesn't have the interview under cuation wording. TfL's verification letters do contain the appropriate wording.

No, because no caution is necessary for written communication!

A caution might not be necessary but they are used. In a professional capacity I've had to answer correspondence in writing 'under caution'.

 

[occone]

in order to legitimately reduce my fare costs

Great letter, I agree with others about buying a Railcard, maybe also send them the purchase reference or screenshot of it.

I'd scrub the quoted bit though, just because it is better just to focus on the matter of having a valid ticket rather than personal finances and how you're going about giving less money to the railways.

 

[transportphoto]

The standard letter sent out by companies like GTR and WMT doesn't have the interview under cuation wording. TfL's verification letters do contain the appropriate wording.

I knew I had read it somewhere in this context - thanks for confirming I’m still slightly sane

 

[joe0303]

Great letter, I agree with others about buying a Railcard, maybe also send them the purchase reference or screenshot of it.

I'd scrub the quoted bit though, just because it is better just to focus on the matter of having a valid ticket rather than personal finances and how you're going about giving less money to the railways.

Good point thank you

 

[SuspectUsual]

Dear West Midlands Railway,

I am writing to offer my sincere apologies for not being able to produce a valid ticket during my recent journey. I am deeply sorry for any inconvenience or frustration that my actions may have caused, and I now understand the importance of following the rules and regulations of the railway.

I wish to assure you that I have learned from this experience and I am committed to ensuring that it does not happen again in the future. In light of this incident, I am actively looking into purchasing a railcard or season ticket in order to legitimately reduce my fare costs and to ensure that I am always able to produce a valid ticket when traveling on your trains.

I am keen to settle this matter amicably and without the need for court action. I would like to offer to pay the outstanding fare and any other administrative costs incurred in dealing with this matter. Please let me know the amount owed and the payment process, and I will make the payment promptly.

Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience caused and I hope that we can resolve this matter as quickly and smoothly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.


How do this sound?

I'd add "now" (its in red above) as otherwise it reads that you knew full well all along and did it anyway. (Which may be true, but that's beside the point)

 

[Jjjj11111]

What was the end result?

 

[skyhigh]

What was the end result?

Please start your own thread and provide details as each situation is different.

 

[joe0303]

Sorry to bump so late, I was able to settle outside of disciplinary action and pay a fine of about £180. Quite steep considering it was over a ~£5 ticket!

 

[Hadders]

Thanks for letting us know.