HELP! Intention to prosecute - GTR draft response

[wakefulaspect]

Hi all,

After having incorrectly used a network Railcard for an anytime day return from Royston to London terminals in January, I got collared at the gateline at Blackfriars on the way in to work. It was really silly and it won't happen again. I complied fully with the staff and gave them my details. I received the dreaded letter from GTR yesterday (attached) and I'd be extremely grateful for any comments on my draft response:

STARTS

Dear GTR Fare Evasion Team,

I am writing in response to your Intention to Prosecute letter dated 27th April 2026 on the subject of an incident on 28th January (reference number goes here).

I bought an anytime day return from Royston to London Terminals. I had incorrectly applied a Network Railcard to my ticket which, after a conversation with a member of staff, I realise I was not entitled to use at that time of day. I know that this is a breach of the terms and conditions of the Railcard and I understand the seriousness of this. I apologise for my error, and I can assure you that this will never happen again. I have learned from my mistake - since this regrettable incident I have familiarised myself with the conditions of use for Railcards and have ensured that I have paid the correct fare ever since.

I would be very grateful if you would consider settling this matter without the need for court action. I am ready to pay what I owe promptly and in full along with the cost of your investigation.

Yours sincerely,

(My name here)

ENDS

 

[SECR 65]

Welcome to the forum,

Your letter looks good and seems to be in line with what people normally send. GTR are highly likely to offer an out of court settlement. Other forum members may have small refinements to suggest.

I suspect you have already done so but good advice is to look through other similar threads (there have been half a dozen threads of a near identical letter from GTR this week) to get an idea of what is likely to happen next.

You can print out your letter and enclose it in the envelope on a seperate sheet of paper. Write something like 'please see attatched' in the reply section of their letter. Also include your name, address, and case reference number on the seperate sheet. Send the letter ideally by tracked 48 postage so you can be sure it reaches GTR.

 

[wakefulaspect]

Welcome to the forum,

Your letter looks good and seems to be in line with what people normally send. GTR are highly likely to offer an out of court settlement. Other forum members may have small refinements to suggest.

I suspect you have already done so but good advice is to look through other similar threads (there have been half a dozen threads of a near identical letter from GTR this week) to get an idea of what is likely to happen next.

You can print out your letter and enclose it in the envelope on a seperate sheet of paper. Write something like 'please see attatched' in the reply section of their letter. Also include your name, address, and case reference number on the seperate sheet. Send the letter ideally by tracked 48 postage so you can be sure it reaches GTR.

Thanks for your feedback.

I know that GTR are pretty likely to offer an out of court settlement based on similar posts, but nothing is certain. Has GTR ever opted for prosecution when people engage with the process?

 

[SECR 65]

Thanks for your feedback.

I know that GTR are pretty likely to offer an out of court settlement based on similar posts, but nothing is certain. Has GTR ever opted for prosecution when people engage with the process?

Is this your first time travelling without a valid ticket?

I haven't been around here ages, but I can't see why GTR would prosecute in a case like this, compared to so many others. People have got settlements even on their third time being caught. GTR are often said on here to "always settle". Whilst nothing is garunteed, as you say, in my opinion prosecuting you would be immensely irrational and I would be very suprised if they chose to.

The main purpose of this process is to prevent people fair evading again. At this stage, they will believe you. If you keep doing this, then they will run out of confidence.

I know this will be really worrying you, but you will recieve brilliant and highly experienced advice on here. Even being prosecuted isn't the end of the word. Try not to worry, as hard as it can be. I reckon your chance of prosecution is something like 0.5%, but that's not particularly scientific.

 

[WesternLancer]

Thanks for your feedback.

I know that GTR are pretty likely to offer an out of court settlement based on similar posts, but nothing is certain. Has GTR ever opted for prosecution when people engage with the process?

I can’t really recall many if any such cases of prosecution when people have engaged. Apart from if post has got lost.
Hence the advice given to use tracked postage to send your response so you can be confident it was delivered.

 

[wakefulaspect]

Is this your first time travelling without a valid ticket?

I haven't been around here ages, but I can't see why GTR would prosecute in a case like this, compared to so many others. People have got settlements even on their third time being caught. GTR are often said on here to "always settle". Whilst nothing is garunteed, as you say, in my opinion prosecuting you would be immensely irrational and I would be very suprised if they chose to.

The main purpose of this process is to prevent people fair evading again. At this stage, they will believe you. If you keep doing this, then they will run out of confidence.

I know this will be really worrying you, but you will recieve brilliant and highly experienced advice on here. Even being prosecuted isn't the end of the word. Try not to worry, as hard as it can be. I reckon your chance of prosecution is something like 0.5%, but that's not particularly scientific.

I'm ashamed to say that it isn't my first time travelling with an incorrectly applied Railcard, but I have never been warned before. While ignorance is not a defence, I did believe a Network Rail provided discounts at all times of day. I've also never "doughnutted" and have always bought an anytime day return. I don't say that as mitigation, just as a means to ascertain how serious trouble I might be in.

 

[WesternLancer]

I'm ashamed to say that it isn't my first time travelling with an incorrectly applied Railcard, but I have never been warned before. While ignorance is not a defence, I did believe a Network Rail provided discounts at all times of day. I've also never "doughnutted" and have always bought an anytime day return. I don't say that as mitigation, just as a means to ascertain how serious trouble I might be in.

I don’t think it makes it worse beyond that they might ask you for more money to cover the other occasions. If they look into that aspect which may or may not happen. GTR don’t always seem to do that.

 

[SECR 65]

I'm ashamed to say that it isn't my first time travelling with an incorrectly applied Railcard, but I have never been warned before. While ignorance is not a defence, I did believe a Network Rail provided discounts at all times of day. I've also never "doughnutted" and have always bought an anytime day return. I don't say that as mitigation, just as a means to ascertain how serious trouble I might be in.

How many journeys do you reckon you have made without a valid ticket? This shouldn't increase the likelyhood of prosecution, but the railway may (though GTR don't often bother) check back through previous tickets if purchased online, and factor these in to the settlement cost. If you have made lots of journeys with incorrect discounts, then you might need to be prepared a significant sum of money at short notice. The price would be the anytime single fare (no discount for railcard) for each journey without a valid ticket, plus an admin fee, which could be about £50 - £150.

 

[furlong]

You had a valid railcard? Did you show them it?
You should just have been asked to pay the difference on the spot under 9.5.1.

9.5Where you:
9.5.1 are using a Ticket that is correctly dated but restricted for use at a range of
times other than the service on which you are travelling (this does not
include Tickets which are valid only on a specific timed train service or train
services);
...
you will be charged the difference between the fare that you have paid and the lowest
price Ticket that is valid for the train you are using.

Your ticket meets that definition, doesn't it? it would have been valid after 10am?

 

[wakefulaspect]

How many journeys do you reckon you have made without a valid ticket? This shouldn't increase the likelyhood of prosecution, but the railway may (though GTR don't often bother) check back through previous tickets if purchased online, and factor these in to the settlement cost. If you have made lots of journeys with incorrect discounts, then you might need to be prepared a significant sum of money at short notice. The price would be the anytime single fare (no discount for railcard) for each journey without a valid ticket, plus an admin fee, which could be about £50 - £150.

I really couldn't say - it's a journey I make quite regularly. I understand that things may get extremely expensive, I'm prepared for that. My main objective is to avoid going to court - and to avoid making this mistake again.

I've seen similar letters where they make specific reference multiple journeys - they don't appear to have done so in my case. The advice I've seen suggests to stick to the incident cited but not lie and imply it was a one off (which I believe I've done in my wording). Would GTR double check after having sent this initial letter?

Separately, should I be concerned at the possibility of GTR monitoring this forum..?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Apr 2026 ==

You had a valid railcard? Did you show them it?
You should just have been asked to pay the difference on the spot under 9.5.1.



Your ticket meets that definition, doesn't it? it would have been valid after 10am?

Hi Furlong,

Correct. It's a Network Railcard, not an age restricted one. I didn't realise I could have made this point!

 

[SECR 65]

I really couldn't say - it's a journey I make quite regularly. I understand that things may get extremely expensive, I'm prepared for that. My main objective is to avoid going to court - and to avoid making this mistake again.

I've seen similar letters where they make specific reference multiple journeys - they don't appear to have done so in my case. The advice I've seen suggests to stick to the incident cited but not lie and imply it was a one off (which I believe I've done in my wording). Would GTR double check after having sent this initial letter?

I suspect it's unlikely. You're probably dealing with just this isolated occurence. No point bringing GTR's attention to anything else.

Separately, should I be concerned at the possibility of GTR monitoring this forum..?

I suppose they could be, but I wouldn't be too concerned. I doubt there is one individual highly invested in your case. They will just follow proceedures. As I said above, they are just trying to make sure you don't fare evade again. As you will be able to see, loads of people post their situations on the forum, and they usually result in success regarding the isolated incident. On balance it's worth sticking around here for everyone's advice. As another example, the reply letter everyone sends as advised by the forum is always almost identical. The railway don't seem to mind and happily settle every time.

 

[wakefulaspect]

I suspect it's unlikely. You're probably dealing with just this isolated occurence. No point bringing GTR's attention to anything else.

I suppose they could be, but I wouldn't be too concerned. I doubt there is one individual highly invested in your case. They will just follow proceedures. As I said above, they are just trying to make sure you don't fare evade again. As you will be able to see, loads of people post their situations on the forum, and they usually result in success regarding the isolated incident. On balance it's worth sticking around here for everyone's advice. As another example, the reply letter everyone sends as advised by the forum is always almost identical. The railway don't seem to mind and happily settle every time.

Thanks very much for your advice and reassurance - it has been weighing on me for the last few months but I held off panic posting as all there is to do is wait!

I'm hoping this will all be over soon so I can move on. This forum really does the Lord's work in helping out muppets like me!

 

[WesternLancer]

You had a valid railcard? Did you show them it?
You should just have been asked to pay the difference on the spot under 9.5.1.



Your ticket meets that definition, doesn't it? it would have been valid after 10am?

If it is correct that this matter should have been dealt with by charging an Excess Fare then what is the process for GTR to do that when they check the fare and find such an issue?
If correct it will need a different response to the letter the OP has received than the usual 'formula' suggested on the forum for requesting out of court settlements

Should the sum GTR should be requesting be limited to the applicable Excess Fare with no 'admin fee' added on?

 

[furlong]

That's what the NRCOT states should happen. The process details are not of our concern. A company that cared about its customers would apologise for the heavy-handed treatment, write off the sum owed, and offer a voucher or discount code as compensation. Maybe GBR will be better. If it were I, I'd write a letter, quote the NRCOT, and enclose a cheque for the difference, and request compensation for my trouble (probably exceeding the amount of the cheque - the implication being to just not cash it and treat it as resolved).

 

[wakefulaspect]

It's a good point. I did show them my Network Rail card (the chap took a picture of it) and it was valid at the time.

Having said, that I don't think I'll argue the toss with them. I know that I've made this mistake several times, so the company is entitled to an amount - and my priority is getting this out of the way as quickly as possible. If I knew this was the only time I would respond in a similar manner to how you suggest. It's a bit frustrating, but what can you do (apart from not being a numpty in my case!)

I do wonder whether GBR will change its approach. Perhaps they'll do what they've done in Scotland and abolish peak rail fares? We can but dream - but I suspect that debate is for another area in this forum!

That's what the NRCOT states should happen. The process details are not of our concern. A company that cared about its customers would apologise for the heavy-handed treatment, write off the sum owed, and offer a voucher or discount code as compensation. Maybe GBR will be better. If it were I, I'd write a letter, quote the NRCOT, and enclose a cheque for the difference, and request compensation for my trouble (probably exceeding the amount of the cheque - the implication being to just not cash it and treat it as resolved).

 

[WesternLancer]

Having said, that I don't think I'll argue the toss with them. I know that I've made this mistake several times, so the company is entitled to an amount - and my priority is getting this out of the way as quickly as possible. If I knew this was the only time I would respond in a similar manner to how you suggest. It's a bit frustrating, but what can you do (apart from not being a numpty in my case!)

I can see where you are coming from hassle wise on this

Perhaps an option to think about might be - instead of pushing back to them hard ball, you could simply soften the tone of the usual sort of reply suggested on here

for example - using things like this sort of structure and wording from your original draft - assuming this is true - it's vital that you do not lie in any way

I've deliberately worked in the words 'Excess Fare' as that is a railway ticketing term and might just trigger someone who reads this to double check

You could also think about if you want to amend that sentence from what I have put below to this instead - if you wish to make it more overtly clear about the point you are trying to get them to accept - which |I think is @furlong 's point in post #9

"I would be very grateful if you would allow me to resolve this matter by paying any Excess Fare due in relation to this matter, as I am advised this would be in line with the National Rail Conditions of Travel for this sort of issue. I am ready to pay what I owe promptly."

Section 9.5 of this (these are the Conditions of Travel that applied in January at the time of the incident - new ones have been issued in April 2026 but I don't suggest getting into the detail of that in your reply)

https://assets.nationalrail.co.uk/e8xgegruud3g/5IgHi2XuUatwG68aNDLr1E/61a268420f9e051431e2adca8fdd2e12/National_Rail_Conditions_of_Travel_2025.pdf

Others here might have thoughts on this wording, if you have time to hold off sending it

What I think they might argue back (if they are minded to do so) is that if you turn up for a train with a ticket discounted by a Railcard that is not valid at the time of day, you should go to the ticket office (assuming it was open) and ask to pay the Excess Fare necessary to make your ticket valid for your time of travel, rather than get on a train and then expect to be able to pay that on board, esp if it is train that is not staffed by a guard. Experienced / well trained ticket office staff will easily be able to do an Excess Fare, tho unfortunately there are some staff at ticket offices who sometimes don't seem to know how to do this, or are reluctant to issue them, I suspect because it's not something often asked for these days.

Revised draft
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear GTR Fare Evasion Team,

I am writing in response to your Intention to Prosecute letter dated 27th April 2026 on the subject of an incident on 28th January (reference number goes here).

I bought an anytime day return from Royston to London Terminals. I had incorrectly applied a Network Railcard to my ticket which, after a conversation with a member of staff, I realise I was not entitled to use at that time of day. This was an oversight on my part as I had properly made myself aware of the Network Railcard terms and conditions, for which I apologise.

I know that this is a breach of the terms and conditions of the Railcard and I understand the seriousness of this. I apologise for my error, and I can assure you that this will never happen again. I have learned from my mistake - since this regrettable incident I have familiarised myself with the conditions of use for my railcard Railcards and have ensured that I have paid the correct fare ever since.

**I would be very grateful if you would allow me to resolve this matter by paying any Excess Fare due in relation to this matter. I am ready to pay what I owe promptly.

lconsider settling this matter without the need for court action. I am ready to pay what I owe promptly and in full along with the cost of your investigation.

Yours sincerely,

(My name here)

ENDS

** see above for an alternative form of wording for this sentence if desired

 

[wakefulaspect]

I can see where you are coming from hassle wise on this

Perhaps an option to think about might be - instead of pushing back to them hard ball, you could simply soften the tone of the usual sort of reply suggested on here

for example - using things like this sort of structure and wording from your original draft - assuming this is true - it's vital that you do not lie in any way

I've deliberately worked in the words 'Excess Fare' as that is a railway ticketing term and might just trigger someone who reads this to double check

You could also think about if you want to amend that sentence from what I have put below to this instead - if you wish to make it more overtly clear about the point you are trying to get them to accept - which |I think is @furlong 's point in post #9

"I would be very grateful if you would allow me to resolve this matter by paying any Excess Fare due in relation to this matter, as I am advised this would be in line with the National Rail Conditions of Travel for this sort of issue. I am ready to pay what I owe promptly."

Section 9.5 of this (these are the Conditions of Travel that applied in January at the time of the incident - new ones have been issued in April 2026 but I don't suggest getting into the detail of that in your reply)

https://assets.nationalrail.co.uk/e8xgegruud3g/5IgHi2XuUatwG68aNDLr1E/61a268420f9e051431e2adca8fdd2e12/National_Rail_Conditions_of_Travel_2025.pdf

Others here might have thoughts on this wording, if you have time to hold off sending it

What I think they might argue back (if they are minded to do so) is that if you turn up for a train with a ticket discounted by a Railcard that is not valid at the time of day, you should go to the ticket office (assuming it was open) and ask to pay the Excess Fare necessary to make your ticket valid for your time of travel, rather than get on a train and then expect to be able to pay that on board, esp if it is train that is not staffed by a guard. Experienced / well trained ticket office staff will easily be able to do an Excess Fare, tho unfortunately there are some staff at ticket offices who sometimes don't seem to know how to do this, or are reluctant to issue them, I suspect because it's not something often asked for these days.

Revised draft
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear GTR Fare Evasion Team,

I am writing in response to your Intention to Prosecute letter dated 27th April 2026 on the subject of an incident on 28th January (reference number goes here).

I bought an anytime day return from Royston to London Terminals. I had incorrectly applied a Network Railcard to my ticket which, after a conversation with a member of staff, I realise I was not entitled to use at that time of day. This was an oversight on my part as I had properly made myself aware of the Network Railcard terms and conditions, for which I apologise.

I know that this is a breach of the terms and conditions of the Railcard and I understand the seriousness of this. I apologise for my error, and I can assure you that this will never happen again. I have learned from my mistake - since this regrettable incident I have familiarised myself with the conditions of use for my railcard Railcards and have ensured that I have paid the correct fare ever since.

**I would be very grateful if you would allow me to resolve this matter by paying any Excess Fare due in relation to this matter. I am ready to pay what I owe promptly.

lconsider settling this matter without the need for court action. I am ready to pay what I owe promptly and in full along with the cost of your investigation.

Yours sincerely,

(My name here)

ENDS

** see above for an alternative form of wording for this sentence if desired

Thanks very much for your insight. I am being truthful - but I appreciate the need to verify this in order to give the best advice! The facts are:


1) I bought an anytime day return using a Network Railcard. I was pinged for using it too early. The reason I was pinged is because I accidentally went one stop beyond Blackfriars that morning and came back the other way - using the ticket at the gate didn't work and that's when I was approached. So I'm effect I tried to validate at the Northbound gate rather than the usual southbound one.
2) I have travelled using the same ticket at similar times of day multiple times. I'm unsure of the number, but it's significant. I did mention this in passing to the staff member (in an attempt to be cooperative and transparent - perhaps a mistake!) who sort of shrugged and said I should wait for the letter. Apologies for missing this detail.
3) I've never "doughnutted" or committed any other type of infraction (as far as I'm aware!)
4) This is the first time I've had details taken and received a letter of this kind.

 

[AlterEgo]

Thanks very much for your insight. I am being truthful - but I appreciate the need to verify this in order to give the best advice! The facts are:


1) I bought an anytime day return using a Network Railcard. I was pinged for using it too early. The reason I was pinged is because I accidentally went one stop beyond Blackfriars that morning and came back the other way - using the ticket at the gate didn't work and that's when I was approached. So I'm effect I tried to validate at the Northbound gate rather than the usual southbound one.
2) I have travelled using the same ticket at similar times of day multiple times. I'm unsure of the number, but it's significant. I did mention this in passing to the staff member (in an attempt to be cooperative and transparent - perhaps a mistake!) who sort of shrugged and said I should wait for the letter. Apologies for missing this detail.
3) I've never "doughnutted" or committed any other type of infraction (as far as I'm aware!)
4) This is the first time I've had details taken and received a letter of this kind.

Where are you buying your tickets from? If it is online, they may well trawl your transactions and scan data.

 

[wakefulaspect]

Where are you buying your tickets from? If it is online, they may well trawl your transactions and scan data.

Various online providers at different times - chasing the best cashback and AVIOS deals! My wife and I both use the same account for this (she expenses her tickets and so has never used a Railcard).

 

[AlterEgo]

Various online providers at different times - chasing the best cashback and AVIOS deals! My wife and I both use the same account for this (she expenses her tickets and so has never used a Railcard).

If you're buying online, what time train are you selecting when viewing your tickets? I'd be careful about suggesting this is an oversight, because if you buy online it's clear that it is more expensive to travel earlier (because of the minimum fare requirement) and you'd need to keep intentionally buying tickets for a later train and then travel earlier. GTR may suspect this and may well find this out at audit - if they undertake one.

 

[WesternLancer]

Thanks very much for your insight. I am being truthful - but I appreciate the need to verify this in order to give the best advice! The facts are:


1) I bought an anytime day return using a Network Railcard. I was pinged for using it too early. The reason I was pinged is because I accidentally went one stop beyond Blackfriars that morning and came back the other way - using the ticket at the gate didn't work and that's when I was approached. So I'm effect I tried to validate at the Northbound gate rather than the usual southbound one.
2) I have travelled using the same ticket at similar times of day multiple times. I'm unsure of the number, but it's significant. I did mention this in passing to the staff member (in an attempt to be cooperative and transparent - perhaps a mistake!) who sort of shrugged and said I should wait for the letter. Apologies for missing this detail.
3) I've never "doughnutted" or committed any other type of infraction (as far as I'm aware!)
4) This is the first time I've had details taken and received a letter of this kind.

Thanks for this, helpful to see

Whilst I can see that what happened can be 'genuine mistakes' eg not knowing railcard validity times, and going beyond your indented stop and doubling back - I tend to think it does tend to put things in a slightly different light (well I mean it risks they might see it differently if you risk pushing back on this). And of course it might have been better if your railcard had been checked at some earlier stage and you altered to its lack of validity at the time you were using it...

So I'm tempted to think you may well want to not draw attention to the finer points of this and simply use your original draft to secure an offer of an out of court settlement vs run the risk of this being investigated in a way that you may well wish didn't happen....

With that in mind I would tend to think your original draft response at the tip of the thread is OK to send.*

As mentioned when you post it use Royal Mail tracked postage so you can be sure you know it has been delivered.

*might be worth a small edit to wording bearing in mind point in post #20

 

[wakefulaspect]

Thanks for this, helpful to see

Whilst I can see that what happened can be 'genuine mistakes' eg not knowing railcard validity times, and going beyond your indented stop and doubling back - I tend to think it does tend to put things in a slightly different light (well I mean it risks they might see it differently if you risk pushing back on this). And of course it might have been better if your railcard had been checked at some earlier stage and you altered to its lack of validity at the time you were using it...

So I'm tempted to think you may well want to not draw attention to the finer points of this and simply use your original draft to secure an offer of an out of court settlement vs run the risk of this being investigated in a way that you may well wish didn't happen....

With that in mind I would tend to think your original draft response at the tip of the thread is OK to send.*

As mentioned when you post it use Royal Mail tracked postage so you can be sure you know it has been delivered.

*might be worth a small edit to wording bearing in mind point in post #20

Indeed - and as AlterEgo suggests, it's best to keep GTR focussed on the case on which they seem to be concentrating.

I think I will largely stick to my original wording - making clear I realise that I breached the TS and Cs. I may remove the "having spoken to a member of staff" line - while I did make a mistake I wouldnt want to look like I am trying to mitigate it in any way (in line with AlterEgo's very good point). It's probably better to not risk a debate which, given I made an error, I'd ultimately lose.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 May 2026 ==

Hi all,

So I sent the letter on Saturday 2nd May on tracked 48. However - the tracking has not appeared to have updated at all. It still says "we're expecting it" so it doesn't appear to have been scanned.

I'm getting a bit nervous and I'm tempted to resend the letter again tonight. However, I sent the original letter back to GTR with my first piece of correspondence. Should I send a second letter with an additional line saying something along the lines of "This letter is being sent out of an abundance of caution"?

 

[SECR 65]

Hi all,

So I sent the letter on Saturday 2nd May on tracked 48. However - the tracking has not appeared to have updated at all. It still says "we're expecting it" so it doesn't appear to have been scanned.

I'm getting a bit nervous and I'm tempted to resend the letter again tonight. However, I sent the original letter back to GTR with my first piece of correspondence. Should I send a second letter with an additional line saying something along the lines of "This letter is being sent out of an abundance of caution"?

Was there a deadline given by GTR in their original letter? Was it 21 days?

Seeing as Tuesday was a bank holiday, I imagine that will be delaying the post.

Seeing as you recieved the original letter in late April, then 21 days is still a couple of weeks away (assuming I have both the date and the time period correct).

Therefore, I wouldn't personally be too worried at this stage about missing the deadline. Maybe try again next Monday? I don't know if there's any mechanism of chasing up Royal Mail.

If you know your case reference number, then you should be able to send separate correspondence and they will hopefully link it to your case. Without a case reference number, this would be much harder.

 

[WesternLancer]

Was there a deadline given by GTR in their original letter? Was it 21 days?

Seeing as Tuesday was a bank holiday, I imagine that will be delaying the post.

Seeing as you recieved the original letter in late April, then 21 days is still a couple of weeks away (assuming I have both the date and the time period correct).

Therefore, I wouldn't personally be too worried at this stage about missing the deadline. Maybe try again next Monday? I don't know if there's any mechanism of chasing up Royal Mail.

If you know your case reference number, then you should be able to send separate correspondence and they will hopefully link it to your case. Without a case reference number, this would be much harder.

Yes I think if tracking has not updated to show delivered within the timescale expected the first thing to do would be contact Royal Mail customer services.

Only if the indicate it’s lost then
A) get compensation from Royal Mail

B) send another letter to the railway.

 

[Haywain]

So I sent the letter on Saturday 2nd May on tracked 48. However - the tracking has not appeared to have updated at all.

The 48 hours is based on working days, which doesn't include weekends and bank holidays, so it is unlikely to be delivered until tomorrow. You really need to exercise some patience.

Royal Mail T&C's:

Non Account Tracked 48 and Non Account Tracked 48 with Signature, we will aim
but do not guarantee to deliver your Item within 2 - 3 Working Days of the day on
which you Handover your Item provided such Handover occurs prior to the Latest
Acceptance Time applicable to the Drop Off Point where you provide your Item to
us (and if you provide your Item to us after the relevant Latest Acceptance Time,
then we aim but do not guarantee to deliver your Item within 3 - 4 Working Days of
that day).

 

[wakefulaspect]

Was there a deadline given by GTR in their original letter? Was it 21 days?

Seeing as Tuesday was a bank holiday, I imagine that will be delaying the post.

Seeing as you recieved the original letter in late April, then 21 days is still a couple of weeks away (assuming I have both the date and the time period correct).

Therefore, I wouldn't personally be too worried at this stage about missing the deadline. Maybe try again next Monday? I don't know if there's any mechanism of chasing up Royal Mail.

If you know your case reference number, then you should be able to send separate correspondence and they will hopefully link it to your case. Without a case reference number, this would be much harder.

The deadline was 14 days, not 21 (is it normally 21?) But sure enough about 10 minutes after I posted this message, Royal Mail tracking has updated to say that they've got it and it should be delivered tomorrow. Phew.

 

[SECR 65]

The deadline was 14 days, not 21 (is it normally 21?) But sure enough about 10 minutes after I posted this message, Royal Mail tracking has updated to say that they've got it and it should be delivered tomorrow. Phew.

I think other railway companies (maybe SWR?) are 21 days but not sure about GTR.

Having quickly glanced at another GTR thread I can't see an obvious deadline on that particular letter. Other forum members might know what is typical for GTR. I can't imagine that the amount of time you've been given to respond has much significance at all.

 

[wakefulaspect]

A quick update -

My Tracked 48 letter was delayed and there was a real risk that it would either arrive after the deadline or on the day itself (minimising the chance it would actually be read). I resent my letter by special delivery on Thursday, only for both it and the original to arrive at the same time the following day. The deadline was Monday 11th - so at least I know they definitely have my response! Now I just have to wait...

While I wait, I'd like to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. If I get an SJPN, would it be advisable to contact a lawyer like Manak's? Some do and some don't on this forum.

 

[WesternLancer]

A quick update -

My Tracked 48 letter was delayed and there was a real risk that it would either arrive after the deadline or on the day itself (minimising the chance it would actually be read). I resent my letter by special delivery on Thursday, only for both it and the original to arrive at the same time the following day. The deadline was Monday 11th - so at least I know they definitely have my response! Now I just have to wait...

If Royal Mail failed to deliver it in line with the service you paid for - get on to their customer services on line claim form and seek compensation for the postage you paid

While I wait, I'd like to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. If I get an SJPN, would it be advisable to contact a lawyer like Manak's? Some do and some don't on this forum.

You are some way off that and no reason to think that will happen really.

But there would be other steps you could take to create more time to try to obtain a settlement your self (for example, pleading not guilty to an SJPN and requesting an in person court hearing date - that results in a hearing date some weeks beyond - or months - creating more time for you to try again to secure a settlement and get court papers withdrawn - we see this work effectively)

But of at that point you wanted to think about engaging a solicitors we can provide a list of several that have been mentioned by people who have used them on this forum, so you could seek quotes. Legal fees over £600 are likely from what we read here by people who have opted for that assistance.

 

[wakefulaspect]

If Royal Mail failed to deliver it in line with the service you paid for - get on to their customer services on line claim form and seek compensation for the postage you paid



You are some way off that and no reason to think that will happen really.

But there would be other steps you could take to create more time to try to obtain a settlement your self (for example, pleading not guilty to an SJPN and requesting an in person court hearing date - that results in a hearing date some weeks beyond - or months - creating more time for you to try again to secure a settlement and get court papers withdrawn - we see this work effectively)

But of at that point you wanted to think about engaging a solicitors we can provide a list of several that have been mentioned by people who have used them on this forum, so you could seek quotes. Legal fees over £600 are likely from what we read here by people who have opted for that assistance.

Thanks WL.

My letters arrived at about 1pm on Friday 8th, and the deadline was Monday 11th (based on the stated 14 day response time window from Monday April 27th in GTR's letter). In your experience, is this cutting it too fine for it to be read? Obviously, nothing is certain but I'm just trying to gauge how worried I should be.