GTR - Intention to Prosecute - Situation Explained & Draft Letter

[Jameson]

So a couple of months ago I went from Salfords (Surrey) to Redhill without a ticket as I forgot to get one while boarding as there’s no barriers, I then rocked up to Redhill & accidentally bought Reigate to Redhill to try and get through as that was last saved on Trainline

Ticket officers caught me with wrong ticket and could see I bought it 3 secs ago. They’re both very short journeys, so I hope this helps with out of court settlement.

I have a habit of buying the ticket after I get off the train which is not good and this has been a wake up call in that department.

Also the guy taking my details said I’d been very nice and polite and wrote that down in his report - would this aid my case?

Please see draft below:

Dear Govia ThamesLink Railway Limited Prosecutions Department,

I am writing this in response to your Intention to Prosecute letter I received on……

Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologise for this situation and will provide further explanation of the details that occurred below. On the 20th February, I boarded the train at Salfords (Surrey) en route to Redhill, and completely forgot to purchase a ticket. Usually, on most stations, there are barriers which prompt me to purchase a ticket; however, as there are none on that particular platform, without thinking properly, I entered the train. When I departed at Redhill, and saw the exit barriers, I realised my mistake and remembered that I hadn’t purchased a ticket!

I then went to buy a ticket using my mobile app and, in my hurried state, accidentally purchased Reigate to Redhill and not Salfords (Surrey) to Redhill - Reigate was a saved location on the app, and so I inputted this without thinking correctly. It’s worth noting that I don’t usually travel from Salfords, and so this may have played a part in my forgetfulness to purchase a ticket from that station and in inputting the incorrect information into my app.

When I was subsequently stopped by the revenue protection officer, I explained the situation and then found out that, as well as not having a valid ticket before I got on the train, I had also retroactively purchased the wrong ticket by mistake.

I understand that this does not change the fact that I must have a valid ticket, with the correct route, before getting on any train and on this journey, I did not. I take full responsibility for my actions and recognise that I am in the wrong on this occasion. I will make sure to double-check that I have the correct ticket before getting on any train in the future.

I would like to express how deeply sorry I am for my mistake and will make a resolved effort not to have this happen again. I’d greatly appreciate any opportunity to resolve this matter amicably, and would be happy to pay the fare due for the correct ticket, along with any administrative costs.

Kind Regards,

 

[John R]

I’m afraid they are likely to roll their eyes at the “completely forgot” to buy a ticket, and then “accidentally buying” a short ticket. They see this classic fare evasion tactic time after time after time.

It probably won’t stop them offering a settlement, but much better to be honest with them, as you want them to think your reply is sincere, to have the confidence that you won’t do it again.

 

[WesternLancer]

So a couple of months ago I went from Salfords (Surrey) to Redhill without a ticket as I forgot to get one while boarding as there’s no barriers, I then rocked up to Redhill & accidentally bought Reigate to Redhill to try and get through as that was last saved on Trainline

Ticket officers caught me with wrong ticket and could see I bought it 3 secs ago. They’re both very short journeys, so I hope this helps with out of court settlement.

I have a habit of buying the ticket after I get off the train which is not good and this has been a wake up call in that department.

Also the guy taking my details said I’d been very nice and polite and wrote that down in his report - would this aid my case?

Please see draft below:

Dear Govia ThamesLink Railway Limited Prosecutions Department,

I am writing this in response to your Intention to Prosecute letter I received on…..

Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologise for this situation and will provide further explanation of the details that occurred below. On the 20th February, I boarded the train at Salfords (Surrey) en route to Redhill, and completely forgot to purchase a ticket. Usually, on most stations, there are barriers which prompt me to purchase a ticket; however, as there are none on that particular platform, without thinking properly, I entered the train. When I departed at Redhill, and saw the exit barriers, I realised my mistake and remembered that I hadn’t purchased a ticket!

I then went to buy a ticket using my mobile app and, in my hurried state, accidentally purchased Reigate to Redhill and not Salfords (Surrey) to Redhill - Reigate was a saved location on the app, and so I inputted this without thinking correctly. It’s worth noting that I don’t usually travel from Salfords, and so this may have played a part in my forgetfulness to purchase a ticket from that station and in inputting the incorrect information into my app.

When I was subsequently stopped by the revenue protection officer, I explained the situation and then found out that, as well as not having a valid ticket before I got on the train, I had also retroactively purchased the wrong ticket by mistake.

I understand that this does not change the fact that I must have a valid ticket, with the correct route, before getting on any train and on this journey, I did not. I take full responsibility for my actions and recognise that I am in the wrong on this occasion. I will make sure to double-check that I have the correct ticket before getting on any train in the future.

I would like to express how deeply sorry I am for my mistake and will make a resolved effort not to have this happen again. I’d greatly appreciate any opportunity to resolve this matter amicably, and would be happy to pay the fare due for the correct ticket, along with any administrative costs.

Kind Regards,

Basically you’ve been regularly engaging in ‘pay when challenged’ ticket buying / buying short tickets to get through barriers without paying the proper fare. This is fare evasion.

Don’t try to kid yourself or us that you forget to buy tickets just because barrier gates are open, and then buy tickets from the wrong station, but that confusion just happens to result in a lower price to you than getting muddled up and buying a ticket for a longer journey than you took…

The people who deal with this weren’t born yesterday and aren’t going to believe that sort of excuse.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

I’m afraid they are likely to roll their eyes at the “completely forgot” to buy a ticket, and then “accidentally buying” a short ticket. They see this classic fare evasion tactic time after time after time.

It probably won’t stop them offering a settlement, but much better to be honest with them, as you want them to think your reply is sincere, to have the confidence that you won’t do it again.

I'd agree that the letter as it stands will probably get you an out of court settlement, although I do wonder how well the suggestion that it's the railway's fault for not having barriers will go down.

You also need to be aware that the railway routinely charges an admin fee for the cost of their investigation. With GTR this tends to be around £80 or so, although we have seen substantially higher. I would note that this is many times the £3.10 or so that you might have saved had you not had to go past staff at Redhill.

 

[SECR 65]

In my eyes it's probably simpler just to apologise for not having a valid ticket, take responsibility and admit that it was an error of judgement, say you won't do it again, and wish to keep the matter out of court and are happy to pay the outstanding fare plus GTR's costs.

 

[Jameson]

Basically you’ve been regularly engaging in ‘pay when challenged’ ticket buying / buying short tickets to get through barriers without paying the proper fare. This is fare evasion.

Don’t try to kid yourself or us that you forget to buy tickets just because barrier gates are open, and then buy tickets from the wrong station, but that confusion just happens to result in a lower price to you than getting muddled up and buying a ticket for a longer journey than you took…

The people who deal with this weren’t born yesterday and aren’t going to believe that sort of excuse.

Okay thanks that’s a fair point - would you recommend just admitting that I didn’t buy the ticket before boarding the train and I also bought a shorter train journey? How would you word this?

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Okay thanks that’s a fair point - would you recommend just admitting that I didn’t buy the ticket before boarding the train and I also bought a shorter train journey? How would you word this?

What you have just said i.e.

I didn’t buy the ticket before boarding the train and I also bought a shorter train journey

would probably do.

 

[MotCO]

In my eyes it's probably simpler just to apologise for not having a valid ticket, take responsibility and admit that it was an error of judgement, say you won't do it again, and wish to keep the matter out of court and are happy to pay the outstanding fare plus GTR's costs.

I'm inclined to agree. Your letter includes a lot of unnecessary waffle which does not help your case. You give the impression of regularly not buying tickets before you board which is an offence in itself, and possibly trying to avoid paying the full fare. What the rail company needs is reassurance that you will not reoffend, and that you have learnt your lesson, and your long letter seems to swamp this important aspect.

I would also remove your ref number from the draft you posted on this forum. It is not unknown for railway employees to read this forum, and you have included a lot of details and admissions which will not aid your case.

 

[WesternLancer]

Okay thanks that’s a fair point - would you recommend just admitting that I didn’t buy the ticket before boarding the train and I also bought a shorter train journey? How would you word this?

The advice on post 5 is good ref this I think.

 

[Jameson]

I'm inclined to agree. Your letter includes a lot of unnecessary waffle which does not help your case. You give the impression of regularly not buying tickets before you board which is an offence in itself, and possibly trying to avoid paying the full fare. What the rail company needs is reassurance that you will not reoffend, and that you have learnt your lesson, and your long letter seems to swamp this important aspect.

I would also remove your ref number from the draft you posted on this forum. It is not unknown for railway employees to read this forum, and you have included a lot of details and admissions which will not aid your case.

Thank you for replying. That's good advice, and I will take it on board. Also, I can't edit my original post to remove the reference number. Do you know how I can do this?

 

[Cowley]

Also, I can't edit my original post to remove the reference number. Do you know how I can do this?

That’s been done now.

 

[Jameson]

That’s been done now.

Thanku!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 May 2026 ==

I'm inclined to agree. Your letter includes a lot of unnecessary waffle which does not help your case. You give the impression of regularly not buying tickets before you board which is an offence in itself, and possibly trying to avoid paying the full fare. What the rail company needs is reassurance that you will not reoffend, and that you have learnt your lesson, and your long letter seems to swamp this important aspect.

I would also remove your ref number from the draft you posted on this forum. It is not unknown for railway employees to read this forum, and you have included a lot of details and admissions which will not aid your case.

Here's the new draft, please let me know what you think:

Dear Govia ThamesLink Railway Limited Prosecutions Department,

I am writing this in response to your Intention to Prosecute letter I received on… regarding the incident that took place on…

Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologise for this situation and accept full responsibility for my actions; I made an error in judgement by not purchasing the correct, valid ticket for my journey before boarding the train at Salfords (Surrey) station. I rarely travel from this station; however, I understand that this is no excuse, and I respect the importance of abiding by the rail regulations set out by GTR and the severity of not adhering to them on this occasion.

I want to make it clear that this will not happen again. I’m aware that you must always purchase a valid ticket, of the correct route, before boarding any train, and I am truly disappointed in myself and genuinely sorry for my actions.

I would greatly appreciate any opportunity to resolve this matter without the need for court action, and would be happy to pay the outstanding fare cost plus any administrative fees.

Thank you for your consideration

Kind Regards,

Name

 

[Haywain]

Dear Govia ThamesLink Railway Limited Prosecutions Department,

I am writing this in response to your Intention to Prosecute letter I received on… regarding the incident that took place on…

Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologise for this situation and accept full responsibility for my actions; I made an error in judgement by not purchasing the correct, valid ticket for my journey before boarding the train at Salfords (Surrey) station. I rarely travel from this station; however, I understand that this is no excuse, and I respect the importance of abiding by the rail regulations set out by GTR and the severity of not adhering to them on this occasion.

I want to make it clear that this will not happen again. I’m aware that you must always purchase a valid ticket, of the correct route, before boarding any train, and I am truly disappointed in myself and genuinely sorry for my actions.

I would greatly appreciate any opportunity to resolve this matter without the need for court action, and would be happy to pay the outstanding fare cost plus any administrative fees.

Thank you for your consideration

Kind Regards,

I would leave out the bit I've crossed through; I don't believe that it adds anything other than making an excuse.

 

[Jameson]

I would leave out the bit I've crossed through; I don't believe that it adds anything other than making an excuse.

Okay noted - I tried using the portal provided, but it showed an error message when I tried to submit it, so I'm going to post my letter to them instead. it seems that's what most people do anyway

 

[WesternLancer]

Okay noted - I tried using the portal provided, but it showed an error message when I tried to submit it, so I'm going to post my letter to them instead. it seems that's what most people do anyway

If you post it it’s important you use tracked postage from a post office eg Tracked 48.
So you can be sure that it was delivered.

Keep a copy of every page you send and make sure your case reference number is on every page.

 

[MotCO]

Okay noted - I tried using the portal provided, but it showed an error message when I tried to submit it, so I'm going to post my letter to them instead. it seems that's what most people do anyway

Have you used any unusual punctuation which the portal doesn't like? Or misquoted the reference number or other details?

 

[Jameson]

Okay guys I’ve sent off the letter in the end, got 24h tracked & signed postage just to be sure. Wasn’t 100% if you had to put your signature on the bottom of the letter or not - I just typed my name.

Fingers crossed it all goes well - when do you think I’ll hear back?

 

[WesternLancer]

Okay guys I’ve sent off the letter in the end, got 24h tracked & signed postage just to be sure. Wasn’t 100% if you had to put your signature on the bottom of the letter or not - I just typed my name.

Fingers crossed it all goes well - when do you think I’ll hear back?

You should always hand sign a hard copy letter in my view (maybe I'm just old school) and there's no reason not to that I can think of - but I doubt it will be a deal breaker if you have not done so and it's sent now.

Might be a few weeks before you hear back - eg 2 or 3

 

[Jameson]

Guys we did it - £58.20 out of court settlement - thanks everyone for the help with drafting the letter I appreciate it!

Opening that letter was so stress but as long as there’s no court I’m happy - £58.2 pretty leniant too it seems!

 

[WesternLancer]

Guys we did it - £58.20 out of court settlement - thanks everyone for the help with drafting the letter I appreciate it!

Opening that letter was so stress but as long as there’s no court I’m happy - £58.2 pretty leniant too it seems!

Good news. Thanks for updating

 

[Jameson]

Hi guys - unfortunately I made another mistake. I’ll be totally honest, I had just gone into my overdraft and had to pay cash for a ticket to work, and I bought a short ticket to save. In hindsight this was very stupid as in trying to save £1 I had to pay another £50 + ticket price.

I was caught and they asked for my name and email address, I was dreading another letter but fortunately he issued me a penalty fare and I paid pretty much on the spot via their link.

It said after that the matter had been closed but I’m worried that they’ve seen that I’ve not had the correct ticket twice and will look further into my history or something.

I suppose the one saving grace is that this time it was a physical ticket and so they might not have access to my ticket app account.

I understand this was very stupid and I have fully learnt my lesson as the anxiety of dealing with this stuff is not worth it.

Do you think I’ll be fine as long as I but correct tickets in the future - is there any chance I get another letter?

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Hi guys - unfortunately I made another mistake. I’ll be totally honest, I had just gone into my overdraft and had to pay cash for a ticket to work, and I bought a short ticket to save. In hindsight this was very stupid as in trying to save £1 I had to pay another £50 + ticket price.

I was caught and they asked for my name and email address, I was dreading another letter but fortunately he issued me a penalty fare and I paid pretty much on the spot via their link.

It said after that the matter had been closed but I’m worried that they’ve seen that I’ve not had the correct ticket twice and will look further into my history or something.

I suppose the one saving grace is that this time it was a physical ticket and so they might not have access to my ticket app account.

I understand this was very stupid and I have fully learnt my lesson as the anxiety of dealing with this stuff is not worth it.

Do you think I’ll be fine as long as I but correct tickets in the future - is there any chance I get another letter?

As this has been dealt with as a penalty fare, it's most likely that you will hear no more about this.

But you do need to know that we have seen railway companies going through their records: at the moment that mainly seems to be to recover unpaid fares going back for a few years, but as they're looking at their data I think it's entirely possible that at some point they will start looking to see if there are people who they've been in touch with more than once.

A point that I frequently make is that what the railways want out of chasing people for the right fare is reassurance that people will stop fare dodging. You're currently demonstrating that an out of court settlement in May has not been enough to stop you fare dodging again in June. So it becomes increasingly likely that you won't be offered out of court settlements or penalty fares again: instead, you will be taken to court and get fines (which are more expensive) and a criminal record (which probably won't ruin your life, but which you may have to explain for a year or two).

Bluntly, you need to stop fare dodging. If you don't then things will get worse for you quite quickly.

 

[AlterEgo]

We don't see many people who keep on evading fares after the first very stressful experience, to put it politely, so we can't say for certain. However once a Penalty Fare is paid that individual matter is dealt with. Clearly you can in fact afford train fares, as you paid £50 plus the fare promptly. So, maybe you should just try to be an honest traveller in future and cease defrauding the railway.

 

[Jameson]

We don't see many people who keep on evading fares after the first very stressful experience, to put it politely, so we can't say for certain. However once a Penalty Fare is paid that individual matter is dealt with. Clearly you can in fact afford train fares, as you paid £50 plus the fare promptly. So, maybe you should just try to be an honest traveller in future and cease defrauding the railway.

Hi - I had to phone up my mum and explain the whole situation and ask for the money which has caused its own problems. But yes everything you said here is correct and this is a lesson. Thank you for the advice

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Jun 2026 ==

As this has been dealt with as a penalty fare, it's most likely that you will hear no more about this.

But you do need to know that we have seen railway companies going through their records: at the moment that mainly seems to be to recover unpaid fares going back for a few years, but as they're looking at their data I think it's entirely possible that at some point they will start looking to see if there are people who they've been in touch with more than once.

A point that I frequently make is that what the railways want out of chasing people for the right fare is reassurance that people will stop fare dodging. You're currently demonstrating that an out of court settlement in May has not been enough to stop you fare dodging again in June. So it becomes increasingly likely that you won't be offered out of court settlements or penalty fares again: instead, you will be taken to court and get fines (which are more expensive) and a criminal record (which probably won't ruin your life, but which you may have to explain for a year or two).

Bluntly, you need to stop fare dodging. If you don't then things will get worse for you quite quickly.

Yep I agree and I know I was wrong, fingers crossed this is the end of it. Do you think the fact that it was a physical ticket helps?

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Do you think the fact that it was a physical ticket helps?

I'm not going to answer this. While we might be able to say how much risk follows from using a physical ticket, any answer would also be of value to someone seeking to fare dodge, and that's somewhere I don't intend to go.

 

[SECR 65]

Yep I agree and I know I was wrong, fingers crossed this is the end of it. Do you think the fact that it was a physical ticket helps?

If the inspector took your name and address, then this will link back to you on the system.

As others have said, you've been very lucky this time and are unlikely to face further action, but your luck will soon run out.

 

[Jameson]

I'm not going to answer this. While we might be able to say how much risk follows from using a physical ticket, any answer would also be of value to someone seeking to fare dodge, and that's somewhere I don't intend to go.

Good point, I understand that - thanks for the help previously anyway

 

[MotCO]

If you regularly travel out of peak hours, it may be worth investing in a Railcard if you are entitled to one, which gives you 1/3rd off most tickets.