Advice for Notice of Intention to Prosecute

[vuth21]

Important Context: I was previously caught for not having a ticket in 2023 or 2024 and paid a penalty fare.
The inspector mentioned this could cause a more severe reaction.

I was travelling from Welwyn Garden City to Finsbury Park on 04/03/26.

I was running late and boarded the 12:22 train without a ticket. I then immediately bought a ticket (on my phone) upon sitting down (which I didn't know was an offence at the time but I do now).
I don't have an exact timestamp but my email confirmation of the ticket was at 12:25. I do believe the train was also a min or two delayed so the ticket was bought in mins probably within 90-120 seconds.

A ticket inspector came round a few stops later and said there was a problem as I had bought my ticket after the train had left the station. I agreed and said I didn't think it was an issue at which point he stated it was an offence.

I was issued with a Notice of Intention to Prosecute a few days ago asking for my point of view. I probably should have simply stated my story but I wanted accurate information before responding so I wrote this on the online portal.

-----------
Hi,

I am happy and willing to cooperate with this process but please may I request the following evidence before providing my full response:
.The exact timestamp of my ticket
.The exact departure time of the train (as from memory it was a couple of minutes late)
.The inspector's report
.Any other relevant evidence

I would also appreciate an extension to the deadline so that I have time to provide my version of events upon receipt of the requested information.

Regards,
My Name
-----------

I think they may have interpreted this as cheeky and they sent the following letter.



Satisfactory outcome would obviously be them dropping it but I understand I'll probably have to pay a fine.

I'm worried however about my previous offence (the officer was quite insistent about this) and whether that will change anything. How do I avoid court proceedings and minimise the fine I will have to pay?
Is the fact they haven't already started prosecution a good sign?

Also are letters necessary? Can I request future correspondence to be done via email or some other online method?

Any help is appreciated.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 May 2026 ==

I do have a railcard and it was applied to the ticket but I don't believe that's relevant

 

[Haywain]

I think they may have interpreted this as cheeky and they sent the following letter.

That's not really surprising. I'm not sure what you hoped to gain by sending that.

Satisfactory outcome would obviously be them dropping it but I understand I'll probably have to pay a fine.

I'm worried however about my previous offence (the officer was quite insistent about this) and whether that will change anything. How do I avoid court proceedings and minimise the fine I will have to pay?
Is the fact they haven't already started prosecution a good sign?

Also are letters necessary? Can I request future correspondence to be done via email or some other online method?

You can find any number of threads on the forum which will set out how to go about reaching a settlement. The key to this is acknowledgement that you were in the wrong and showing contrition. And unless you are otherwise told by the train company, letters are necessary.

 

[SECR 65]

In the data source I use (Railcam), the realtime data does not go back this far to check the departure time of the train.

If anyone else has a source which can go this far back, the train is GN service 2C29 11:24 Cambridge - Kings Cross.

-------------------

@vuth21 Would you be able to upload the original Notice of Intention to Prosecute letter they sent (with personal details redacted)?

I believe the online portal is one-time only??? But, given this letter, it seems you will need to reply by post, certainly for now. You could ask they email in future but I don't know if that would work.

For some examples of what to say see my post here with an extensive list of similar threads:

Received GTR Intention to Prosecute Letter, travelled with an expired railcard, please help

Hi all, Today I received a letter (dated on the 7th May though) for a journey I took on the 12th Feb from East Croydon to London St Pancras International. It was an Anytime Day Return that I paid £10.15 for. I bought it prior to travel via Trainline app, which I use for all my tickets. The...

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[AlterEgo]

I was running late and boarded the 12:22 train without a ticket.

You committed an offence by doing so and therefore you are guilty of it, and none of the facts are in dispute.

So why are you asking for evidence like the time you bought your own ticket?

 

[vuth21]

In the data source I use (Railcam), the realtime data does not go back this far to check the departure time of the train.

If anyone else has a source which can go this far back, the train is GN service 2C29 11:24 Cambridge - Kings Cross.

-------------------

@vuth21 Would you be able to upload the original Notice of Intention to Prosecute letter they sent (with personal details redacted)?

I believe the online portal is one-time only??? But, given this letter, it seems you will need to reply by post, certainly for now. You could ask they email in future but I don't know if that would work.

For some examples of what to say see my post here with an extensive list of similar threads:

Received GTR Intention to Prosecute Letter, travelled with an expired railcard, please help

Hi all, Today I received a letter (dated on the 7th May though) for a journey I took on the 12th Feb from East Croydon to London St Pancras International. It was an Anytime Day Return that I paid £10.15 for. I bought it prior to travel via Trainline app, which I use for all my tickets. The...

www.railforums.co.uk

Original notice attached.

Thanks, I'll have a look and draft up a reply.

 

[vuth21]

You committed an offence by doing so and therefore you are guilty of it, and none of the facts are in dispute.

So why are you asking for evidence like the time you bought your own ticket?

I was going to make the argument it was an honest mistake with no intent to dodge the fare by showing I immediately purchased a ticket and then ask for it to be waived for that reason but due to this being a slim possibility I'm just going to drop it.

 

[Haywain]

I was going to make the argument it was an honest mistake with no intent to dodge the fare by showing I immediately purchased a ticket and then ask for it to be waived for that reason but due to this being a slim possibility I'm just going to drop it.

Waste of time! Apologise, ask for a settlement, and get it dealt with.

 

[WesternLancer]

Important Context: I was previously caught for not having a ticket in 2023 or 2024 and paid a penalty fare.
The inspector mentioned this could cause a more severe reaction.

I was travelling from Welwyn Garden City to Finsbury Park on 04/03/26.

I was running late and boarded the 12:22 train without a ticket. I then immediately bought a ticket (on my phone) upon sitting down (which I didn't know was an offence at the time but I do now).
I don't have an exact timestamp but my email confirmation of the ticket was at 12:25. I do believe the train was also a min or two delayed so the ticket was bought in mins probably within 90-120 seconds.

A ticket inspector came round a few stops later and said there was a problem as I had bought my ticket after the train had left the station. I agreed and said I didn't think it was an issue at which point he stated it was an offence.

I was issued with a Notice of Intention to Prosecute a few days ago asking for my point of view. I probably should have simply stated my story but I wanted accurate information before responding so I wrote this on the online portal.

-----------
Hi,

I am happy and willing to cooperate with this process but please may I request the following evidence before providing my full response:
.The exact timestamp of my ticket
.The exact departure time of the train (as from memory it was a couple of minutes late)
.The inspector's report
.Any other relevant evidence

I would also appreciate an extension to the deadline so that I have time to provide my version of events upon receipt of the requested information.

Regards,
My Name
-----------

I think they may have interpreted this as cheeky and they sent the following letter.

View attachment 204709

Satisfactory outcome would obviously be them dropping it but I understand I'll probably have to pay a fine.

I'm worried however about my previous offence (the officer was quite insistent about this) and whether that will change anything. How do I avoid court proceedings and minimise the fine I will have to pay?
Is the fact they haven't already started prosecution a good sign?

Also are letters necessary? Can I request future correspondence to be done via email or some other online method?

Any help is appreciated.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 May 2026 ==

I do have a railcard and it was applied to the ticket but I don't believe that's relevant

I would suggest Not a wise set of questions really unless you were planning to debate it in court.

It’s not relevant because the rule is to buy before you board and you know that you did not do that.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 May 2026 ==

I was going to make the argument it was an honest mistake with no intent to dodge the fare by showing I immediately purchased a ticket and then ask for it to be waived for that reason but due to this being a slim possibility I'm just going to drop it.

You could have asked that but we’ve never seen such a request agreed to iirc

GTR settlements are some of the lowest costs in the industry so best to focus on getting one really.

 

[jfollows]

In the data source I use (Railcam), the realtime data does not go back this far to check the departure time of the train.

If anyone else has a source which can go this far back, the train is GN service 2C29 11:24 Cambridge - Kings Cross.

Probably irrelevant: https://www.recenttraintimes.co.uk/Home/Service?ServiceId=142372004

Wed 04 Mar 2026: 11:24 Cambridge to London Kings Cross​

Service Summary​

IDs:	2C29 472C29MI04 W58619
Type:	Ordinary Passenger
Operator:	GN: Govia Thameslink Railway (Great Northern)
Power Type:	EMU: Electric Multiple Unit
Sched Speed:	100mph
Class(es):	First and Standard

Service Calling Points​

#	Station	Sch. Arr	Actual Arr	Sch. Dep	Actual Dep
1	Cambridge			11:24	11:26 2L
2	Foxton	11:35	11:36 1L	11:35	11:37 2L
3	Shepreth	11:37	11:39 2L	11:37	11:40 3L
4	Meldreth	11:41	11:43 2L	11:41	11:43 2L
5	Royston	11:45	11:47 2L	11:46	11:48 2L
6	Baldock	11:54	11:56 2L	11:54	11:56 2L
7	Letchworth Garden City	11:57	11:59 2L	11:57	12:00 3L
8	Hitchin	12:02	12:04 2L	12:03	12:05 2L
9	Stevenage	12:08	12:10 2L	12:09	12:11 2L
10	Knebworth	12:12	12:14 2L	12:12	12:15 3L
11	Welwyn North	12:16	12:19 3L	12:16	12:20 4L
12	Welwyn Garden City	12:20	12:23 3L	12:22	12:24 2L
13	Hatfield (Herts)	12:25	12:27 2L	12:26	12:27 1L
14	Potters Bar	12:31	12:33 2L	12:32	12:33 1L
15	Alexandra Palace	12:40	12:41 1L	12:41	12:41 RT
16	Finsbury Park	12:45	12:44 RT	12:46	12:45 RT
17	London Kings Cross	12:52	12:50 RT

 

[vuth21]

Waste of time! Apologise, ask for a settlement, and get it dealt with.

Would be grateful if you (and anyone else reading) could have a look at the following and offer some pointers/advice.
The main thing I am debating is whether to include a reference to my previous offence or not draw attention to it. I believe mentioning it makes part of the letter ring a little untruthful and that I haven't learnt my lesson (despite trying my best to correctly follow the rules).

Thanks for the help in advance.

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing in response to the Notice of Intention to Prosecute dated 18th May 2026, Reference: GTREM

On 4th March, I was approached by a ticket inspector and was unable to present a valid ticket due to purchase after boarding the train.

I sincerely apologise for this incident.
This was poor judgement on my behalf and I deeply regret the actions I took on the day.
I now realise the significance of my actions and understand the extent of the losses incurred by the rail industry which negatively affects both rail companies and fellow travellers.

I have since (and will continue to) ensured that I always travel with a valid ticket as evidenced by my later journeys. This will certainly never happen again.

I would be very grateful if this matter could be settled without the need of court action. I am happy to pay the company's administrative costs regarding this matter

Thank you,

Regards,

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 May 2026 ==

Also would like opinions on whether I should mention and apologise for my initial response detailed above

 

[SECR 65]

Would be grateful if you (and anyone else reading) could have a look at the following and offer some pointers/advice.
The main thing I am debating is whether to include a reference to my previous offence or not draw attention to it. I believe mentioning it makes part of the letter ring a little untruthful and that I haven't learnt my lesson (despite trying my best to correctly follow the rules).

IMO don't mention it.

Thanks for the help in advance.

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing in response to the Notice of Intention to Prosecute dated 18th May 2026, Reference: GTREM

On 4th March, I was approached by a ticket inspector and was unable to present a valid ticket due to purchase after boarding the train.

I sincerely apologise for this incident.
This was poor judgement on my behalf and I deeply regret the actions I took on the day.
I now realise the significance of my actions and understand the extent of the losses incurred by the rail industry which negatively affects both rail companies and fellow travellers.

I have since (and will continue to) ensured that I always travel with a valid ticket as evidenced by my later journeys. This will certainly never happen again.

I would be very grateful if this matter could be settled without the need of court action. I am happy to pay the company's administrative costs regarding this matter

Thank you,

Regards,

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 May 2026 ==

Also would like opinions on whether I should mention and apologise for my initial response detailed above

I would also say don't mention it.

Others may have different views.

 

[Haywain]

Also would like opinions on whether I should mention and apologise for my initial response detailed above

No, you should address the incident you have been asked about and nothing more.

 

[John R]

It’s a bit of an odd reply as the third paragraph implies that you had the intention not to pay the fare.

Why dont you simply say that you didn’t realise that you needed to buy a ticket before boarding, and there was to intention to avoid payment as evidenced by the fact that you bought immediately on boarding. But you now know, so won’t do it again.

 

[WesternLancer]

It’s a bit of an odd reply as the third paragraph implies that you had the intention not to pay the fare.

Why dont you simply say that you didn’t realise that you needed to buy a ticket before boarding, and there was to intention to avoid payment as evidenced by the fact that you bought immediately on boarding. But you now know, so won’t do it again.

I agree that amending it along these lines isa good idea.

 

[johnny_t]

It’s a bit of an odd reply as the third paragraph implies that you had the intention not to pay the fare.

Why dont you simply say that you didn’t realise that you needed to buy a ticket before boarding, and there was to intention to avoid payment as evidenced by the fact that you bought immediately on boarding. But you now know, so won’t do it again.

Agreed. The offence here is technical, rather than moral, so no need for too much self-flagellation

 

[Haywain]

The offence here is technical, rather than moral,

Maybe, although I am still wondering how the OP got on to the platform at Welwyn Garden City, a station that has ticket gates.

 

[aba]

Maybe, although I am still wondering how the OP got on to the platform at Welwyn Garden City, a station that has ticket gates

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Jun 2026 ==

Did you received Any outcome

 

[Hadders]

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Jun 2026 ==

Did you received Any outcome

Please start your own thread of you are need of assistance and forum members will be happy to assist. Experience has taught us that every case is different, however similar they might appear to be at first, and discussing more than one case in a thread causes confusion.

 

[vuth21]

Thanks to all who helped.

I received today an out-of-court settlement for £68.90 which I have paid.
Happy as the settlement seems significantly lower than what I was expecting from other threads but maybe I was just not looking at the correct things.

 

[jfollows]

No, that looks like a good outcome for you, and for less than is often requested as you say.

 

[WesternLancer]

K

Thanks to all who helped.

I received today an out-of-court settlement for £68.90 which I have paid.
Happy as the settlement seems significantly lower than what I was expecting from other threads but maybe I was just not looking at the correct things.

Keep your proof of payment and keep that long term just in case you need it.