Fined for being in first class carriage

[Greenback]

However if the OP's son got on at a station which had no ticketing facilities, then it is very relevant with regards to a PFN, and actually makes the fact their son did not intend to travel in 1st Class irrelevant. I can't recall the OP stating at what station his/her son boarded the train.

As I mentioned, its unlikely that they did board at a station with no ticketing facilities, but until we know for certain, we can't dismiss it.

Had the passenger boarded at a station with no ticketing facilities, I think it may have been mentioned already. I am ready to dismiss the possibility unless the OP clearly says otherwise.

 

[cottonsocks]

The letter of intended prosecution for my son arrived today. Just to recap my son's details were taken for being in a 1st Class carriage with a standard ticket. He moved to allow pushchairs to board then couldn't get out. Anyway he is not disputing being there. In retrospect he should have stood his ground and not moved to allowed the pushchairs to board. Too late for that now though.

But what to do about the letter?
He has an opportunity to put his side and has to fill it in and send it back. However having read the other threads I doubt they will just drop the matter so should he also offer out of court settlement. He obviously doesn't want to go to court. Should he offer an amount at the end of the statement? How much would be appropriate? Any form of wording much appreciated. I'm thinking he should also apologise. The inspector didn't see what led up to him being stuck in 1st class I suppose.
Thank you.

 

[455driver]

They are asking for his side of the story so get him to tell them what happened!

The inspector would have heard every excuse in the book, they want your son to put it in writing because the spoken word isn't worth much.

 

[najaB]

But what to do about the letter?
He has an opportunity to put his side and has to fill it in and send it back. However having read the other threads I doubt they will just drop the matter so should he also offer out of court settlement. He obviously doesn't want to go to court. Should he offer an amount at the end of the statement? How much would be appropriate? Any form of wording much appreciated. I'm thinking he should also apologise. The inspector didn't see what led up to him being stuck in 1st class I suppose.

Explain what happened. Offer an apology for having taken up their time with this matter. Explain that you understand that first class is for first class ticket holders only. Offer to pay any costs that they have incurred so far.

You don't need to suggest an amount.

 

[6Gman]

The letter of intended prosecution for my son arrived today. Just to recap my son's details were taken for being in a 1st Class carriage with a standard ticket. He moved to allow pushchairs to board then couldn't get out. Anyway he is not disputing being there. In retrospect he should have stood his ground and not moved to allowed the pushchairs to board. Too late for that now though.

But what to do about the letter?
He has an opportunity to put his side and has to fill it in and send it back. However having read the other threads I doubt they will just drop the matter so should he also offer out of court settlement. He obviously doesn't want to go to court. Should he offer an amount at the end of the statement? How much would be appropriate? Any form of wording much appreciated. I'm thinking he should also apologise. The inspector didn't see what led up to him being stuck in 1st class I suppose.
Thank you.

One of the questions the TOC may ask would be "if your son couldn't get out of the First Class section, how did the member of staff get in?

 

[Ediswan]

One of the questions the TOC may ask would be "if your son couldn't get out of the First Class section, how did the member of staff get in?

That was explained in the first paragraph of the opening post.

 

[cottonsocks]

Explain what happened. Offer an apology for having taken up their time with this matter. Explain that you understand that first class is for first class ticket holders only. Offer to pay any costs that they have incurred so far.

You don't need to suggest an amount.

Thank you very much that sounds like good advice.

 

[najaB]

Thank you very much that sounds like good advice.

If it would be helpful, we can help proof-read your reply if you post it here. Naturally, remove any personal information.

 

[cottonsocks]

Thanks he is working on a reply now. Do you think it is a good idea to mention he has the email address of a witness or would that just make matters worse. It is a stranger not a friend.

Many thanks

 

[Master29]

I was under the impression that even if you are standing in the entrance area of 1st class you are expected to have a first class ticket. It does say so on most TOC 1st class vehicles. Does the OP mean he was forced into the seating area or the lobby I wonder?

 

[talltim]

Depends on the stock, some vestibules are first only and some mixed

 

[Mag_seven]

I was under the impression that even if you are standing in the entrance area of 1st class you are expected to have a first class ticket. It does say so on most TOC 1st class vehicles. Does the OP mean he was forced into the seating area or the lobby I wonder?

There must be some ambiguity on composite vehicles - define what "the entrance area (or lobby) to 1st class" is on, for example, an AGA Class 321?

 

[jon0844]

Aren't there doors from the vestibule of a 321 to each first class compartment? There are on the GN ones, and the vestibule is considered standard class. I assume it's the same on an AGA one?

 

[bb21]

I was led to believe that no composite vestibules exist on AGA 321s any more as First Class is now only on one side of the vestibule, with a door marking the entrance into First.

GN however still have First Class vestibules, with First Class accommodation on both sides.

 

[Deepgreen]

I was led to believe that no composite vestibules exist on AGA 321s any more as First Class is now only on one side of the vestibule, with a door marking the entrance into First.

GN however still have First Class vestibules, with First Class accommodation on both sides.

As do Southern on the 377/6s and 377/7s when the first is in operation, which can be very hard to tell given the mess they have made of the issue! Most people have no idea that even standing in first class without a first class ticket is not permitted.