Chiltern Fare Evasion NIP charge. Advice needed.

[Minu_One]

Hi

I was recently caught and issued a NIP by Chiltern Rail for trying taking a train without the correct ticket.

I was able to board my train without a ticket because theres no barriers at my station, I usually buy the ticket immediately on board but due to a series of issues with the trainline app (which I won't bore you with) I ended up having to panic buy a ticket from a station further down the line. However once I got to my destination the ticket wouldn't show up on the app - I had to get it printed. Stupidly I wasn't aware that I could buy a new correct ticket at the ticket office. Long story short I was quickly pulled aside by the staff. I was pretty compliant with the officer and I even tried to pay the fine then and there which he said was £100, surprisingly though he wouldn't let me.

I responded to my NIP letter apologetically and tried to explain the confusion which happened. What's making me a little nervous is that they surely have no reason to believe me, won't they just assume that I was intentionally trying to cheat my way into getting a cheeper ticket?

The NIP letter advices me to get a solicitor. I've looked into Reeves since they seem to come well recommended but a consultation alone is really expensive and I'm unsure how much use it'll be? Any advice wether it's worth it?

I just want this done and dusted with as quickly as possible. I can't believe how seriously this is being taken when all I did was cheat my way out a measly £2.50. I thought they'd just slap me with a big fine and that would be that. All seems a little over the top no?

Any help would be appreciated

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Hi

I was recently caught and issued a NIP by Chiltern Rail for trying taking a train without the correct ticket.

I was able to board my train without a ticket because theres no barriers at my station, I usually buy the ticket immediately on board but due to a series of issues with the trainline app (which I won't bore you with) I ended up having to panic buy a ticket from a station further down the line. However once I got to my destination the ticket wouldn't show up on the app - I had to get it printed. Stupidly I wasn't aware that I could buy a new correct ticket at the ticket office. Long story short I was quickly pulled aside by the staff. I was pretty compliant with the officer and I even tried to pay the fine then and there which he said was £100, surprisingly though he wouldn't let me.

I responded to my NIP letter apologetically and tried to explain the confusion which happened. What's making me a little nervous is that they surely have no reason to believe me, won't they just assume that I was intentionally trying to cheat my way into getting a cheeper ticket?

The NIP letter advices me to get a solicitor. I've looked into Reeves since they seem to come well recommended but a consultation alone is really expensive and I'm unsure how much use it'll be? Any advice wether it's worth it?

I just want this done and dusted with as quickly as possible. I can't believe how seriously this is being taken when all I did was cheat my way out a measly £2.50. I thought they'd just slap me with a big fine and that would be that. All seems a little over the top no?

Any help would be appreciated

Welcome to the forum!

If I have understood things correctly, Chiltern have sent you a notice of intention to prosecute and you have replied. Chiltern haven't yet got back to you, whether with a letter, or a summons to court, or a Single Justice Procedure Notice.

If I am right, then you don't need a solicitor yet. If Chiltern are happy that what you sent them shows that you won't fare dodge again, then they may let you settle out of court for the fare you should have paid plus an admin fee of maybe £150 or so.

So for the moment, wait for Chiltern to get back to you.

 

[AlterEgo]

Was your ticket you bought from Wembley Stadium?

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi

I was recently caught and issued a NIP by Chiltern Rail for trying taking a train without the correct ticket.

I was able to board my train without a ticket because theres no barriers at my station, I usually buy the ticket immediately on board but due to a series of issues with the trainline app (which I won't bore you with) I ended up having to panic buy a ticket from a station further down the line. However once I got to my destination the ticket wouldn't show up on the app - I had to get it printed. Stupidly I wasn't aware that I could buy a new correct ticket at the ticket office. Long story short I was quickly pulled aside by the staff. I was pretty compliant with the officer and I even tried to pay the fine then and there which he said was £100, surprisingly though he wouldn't let me.

I responded to my NIP letter apologetically and tried to explain the confusion which happened. What's making me a little nervous is that they surely have no reason to believe me, won't they just assume that I was intentionally trying to cheat my way into getting a cheeper ticket?

The NIP letter advices me to get a solicitor. I've looked into Reeves since they seem to come well recommended but a consultation alone is really expensive and I'm unsure how much use it'll be? Any advice wether it's worth it?

I just want this done and dusted with as quickly as possible. I can't believe how seriously this is being taken when all I did was cheat my way out a measly £2.50. I thought they'd just slap me with a big fine and that would be that. All seems a little over the top no?

Any help would be appreciated

You should NEVER buy your ticket after you have boarded the train, even immediately so.

To board the train, even to step on it without previously having bought your ticket is an offence and in England a criminal offence.

Staff ticket scanners are set up to detect this and alert the staff member to the purchase time after departure too.

 

[Minu_One]

Welcome to the forum!

If I have understood things correctly, Chiltern have sent you a notice of intention to prosecute and you have replied. Chiltern haven't yet got back to you, whether with a letter, or a summons to court, or a Single Justice Procedure Notice.

If I am right, then you don't need a solicitor yet. If Chiltern are happy that what you sent them shows that you won't fare dodge again, then they may let you settle out of court for the fare you should have paid plus an admin fee of maybe £150 or so.

So for the moment, wait for Chiltern to get back to you.

Thanks, I'll wait for the reply.