Letters about train penalty fares?

Question

2 weeks ago, my friend had been told she would get a penalty fare as she didnt have a ticket on leaving the station, the staff of train station took her address and told her a letter about it would send to her. But until now she told me she hasn't received any letters. In this case what will happen? Thanks.

Answer 1

Penalty Fares are issued on the spot so therefore it seems likely your friend has been reported for a travel irregularity or a magistrates 11 (MG11) witness statement was completed to be submitted to the prosecution department. These departments usually have a large workload therefore there maybe a backlog but I would expect her to receive something in the next 2-4 weeks or so.



If she needs any advise on what to do once she receives a letter which will ask her to provide her version of events and an explantation then she should visit www.railforums.co.uk who are experts in such matters.



The fact is she commited a strict liability offence because she didn't have a ticket simple as, therefore a punishment is almost certain much like speeding. If she is found guilty she will get a fine and in the event of a regulations of rail prosecution then it will go on her criminal record. If it is a byelaw offense then the only reason she would get it on her criminal record is through a clerical error at the courts.which does happen from time to time.



settlement out of court could be an option if its her first offense which would probably need a sum of £200-£250 offered unless intent is likely to be proven which would require a larger sum and is less likely to result in a settlemnt. The important thing is not to lie as these are easily undone by a prosecution department, just stick to the key facts and be truthful.

Answer 2

Sometimes it can take weeks.



If no Penalty Fare was issued, it could be that the ticket inspector suspected that your friend was deliberately trying to avoid their fare.



If this is the case then a letter will be sent from the prosecutions team and they will more than likely take your friend to court.

Answer 3

Train companies want to protect their revenue so shell get one eventually.