I think I was issued the wrong ticket.

[reluctantuser]

Could anybody please advise my best steps for appealing ..

I left Hillside station in the morning and I'm pretty sure I asked for a ticket to Liverpool South Parkway. I paid for my ticket, got on the train and was asked for my ticket just before arriving at Liverpool South Parkway.

The ticket inspector informed me that my ticket was valid only for Central Liverpool and not Liverpool South Parkway. The ticket did say Liverpool, but I never thought to check the ticket was correct. If I had, I still would have assumed that Liverpool also meant Liverpool South Parkway. For those of you unaware, a ticket to Liverpool covers four central Liverpool stations, but Liverpool South Parkway is about six stations beyond there.

I believe the ticket inspector explained to me that I would receive something in the post for which I could then appeal. So I went on holiday, enjoyed my summer and received a letter a few days ago demanding a £108 penalty, saying that my appeal window of 21 days had been exceeded.

I expected that I'd be unable to submit my appeal outside of the 21 days, but today I went to the MerseyRail Penalty Fare web page and successfully entered the appeal. I'm concerned now that it may be rejected by default because it is beyond the 21-day limit (its been about 30 days).

I'd appreciate it if anybody could help answer the following.

1) I have contacted privacy at Merseyrail.com to request the recording that was taken when I spoke to the inspector, but does Merseyrail hold video or audio recordings at the station I purchased my ticket from to demonstrate that I requested a ticket to the correct station?

2) If I lose the appeal by default purely because I've exceeded the 21-day limit, is there anything I can do about this?

Thanks

 

[WesternLancer]

Could anybody please advise my best steps for appealing ..

I left Hillside station in the morning and I'm pretty sure I asked for a ticket to Liverpool South Parkway. I paid for my ticket, got on the train and was asked for my ticket just before arriving at Liverpool South Parkway.

The ticket inspector informed me that my ticket was valid only for Central Liverpool and not Liverpool South Parkway. The ticket did say Liverpool, but I never thought to check the ticket was correct. If I had, I still would have assumed that Liverpool also meant Liverpool South Parkway. For those of you unaware, a ticket to Liverpool covers four central Liverpool stations, but Liverpool South Parkway is about six stations beyond there.

I believe the ticket inspector explained to me that I would receive something in the post for which I could then appeal. So I went on holiday, enjoyed my summer and received a letter a few days ago demanding a £108 penalty, saying that my appeal window of 21 days had been exceeded.

I expected that I'd be unable to submit my appeal outside of the 21 days, but today I went to the MerseyRail Penalty Fare web page and successfully entered the appeal. I'm concerned now that it may be rejected by default because it is beyond the 21-day limit (its been about 30 days).

I'd appreciate it if anybody could help answer the following.

1) I have contacted privacy at Merseyrail.com to request the recording that was taken when I spoke to the inspector, but does Merseyrail hold video or audio recordings at the station I purchased my ticket from to demonstrate that I requested a ticket to the correct station?

2) If I lose the appeal by default purely because I've exceeded the 21-day limit, is there anything I can do about this?

Thanks

when you were originally stopped and questioned on the train what paperwork were you given?

did they give you any sort of slip of paper with any details on it? or did they just take your name and address?

If you were given any paperwork did it say anything on it like 'Penalty Fare'?

Can you upload a copy of the letter you have recently received with your personal details and any ref number removed to protect your confidentiality.

What did you say when you went to the Mersey Rail web page and entered an Appeal. Ie what were your grounds for making an Appeal?

 

[Haywain]

does Merseyrail hold video or audio recordings at the station I purchased my ticket from to demonstrate that I requested a ticket to the correct station?

Audio recordings of customer transactions just don't happen, and video recordings wouldn't show what you asked for. In any case, CCTV is only held for a limited period which is usually around one month.

 

[WesternLancer]

I fear that an Appeal based on 'I'm sure I asked for a ticket for Liverpool S Parkway but it turns out I got given a ticket for central Liverpool but I didn't check what it said on my ticket before undertaking my journey' would be a difficult Appeal to win.

But it would appear that the OP has also lost the ability to benefit from the 50%/£50 prompt payment reduction that goes with a Penalty Fare and lasts for 21 days.

So the question arises as to what paperwork was give at the time which presumably states the deadline for an Appeal, when the OP was led to believe they would receive paperwork in the post

We need to see the paperwork that has been sent really.

Penalty Fares on the Network

Before travel, you must buy your ticket from a ticket office, ticket vending machine or online.

www.merseyrail.org

Includes various FAQs

 

[AlterEgo]

The Bodyworn Video if available will show what, if any, paperwork was issued.

 

[Spandau]

I left Hillside station in the morning and I'm pretty sure I asked for a ticket to Liverpool South Parkway. I paid for my ticket, got on the train and was asked for my ticket just before arriving at Liverpool South Parkway.

I asked at a Merseyrail station for a ticket to Manchester Airport and was given one to ‘Manchester Stations’. Fortunately I spotted the error before departure and had it changed, albeit with difficulty. The staff member couldn’t understand why the one he sold me wouldn’t be valid to the Airport.

I have to say the knowledge of some Merseyrail staff can be a bit suspect and wish you well with your appeal.

 

[WesternLancer]

I asked at a Merseyrail station for a ticket to Manchester Airport and was given one to ‘Manchester Stations’. Fortunately I spotted the error before departure and had it changed, albeit with difficulty. The staff member couldn’t understand why the one he sold me wouldn’t be valid to the Airport.

I have to say the knowledge of some Merseyrail staff can be a bit suspect and wish you well with your appeal.

oh dear me. One might be better off with a ticket machine.
Certainly adds plausibility to the OPs outline of events.

 

[AlterEgo]

OP, are you familiar with making a Subject Access Request?