Letter from SWR

[hanniel47]

Hello All,

Please kindly advise on my situation:

I had an advance single ticket (with railcard 26-30) from Gatwick to Weymouth (Southern rail from Gatwick to Barnham to Southampton and then SWR from Southampton to Weymouth).
Was already stressed out and tired from my entire journey and time spent getting out of the airport although this is no excuse. I got on a wrong train while leaving Gatwick airport (southern rail to London Victoria). I only realised this after it was just a little too late as apparently both trains were leaving at almost the same time and adjacent to each other (platform 5 & 6). I remained on the train and got off at Clapham junction to change to SWR to Weymouth.
On the journey from Clapham junction, during the ticket check at Basingstoke by SWR official I explained my situation, and I was issued a travel irregularity report (issue reason: no ticket).

Firstly, I would like to say I'm aware of how incredibly stupid this was by continuing my journey without a new ticket. However, I have now received a letter from SWR about this and need support to respond for the best form of resolution.


Here is the letter I have received:

On XXX, you were questioned by a member of rail staff about an incident that occurred whilst on SWR limited property; Did travel on a Railway and failed to produce a valid ticket when requested to do so by an officer.

Subsequently the matter has been reported to this office for further investigation.
All the evidence available is being considered as to whether legal proceedings are appropriate. If you consider that there are any mitigating factors or explanations that may influence any decision that may be made about this matter you are invited to respond, in writing or to xxx, within 21 days of the date of this letter.

Please ensure that ALL details below are completed and returned to ensure our records are correct.

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PAYMENT
Failure to respond to this letter will lead to the matter being progressed without further notification. If we do write to you again, we may seek a contribution to our cost of recovering the amount owed.

 

[SECR 65]

Obviously the primary thing you will need to do in your response is supply the details as requested. SWR should be happy to settle outside of court, with the cost being the anytime single fare for your journey plus an admin fee. It's important to be truthful in your response to them and to cooperate fully. Tell them that you are sorry for what has happened, that you understand how serious your actions were, and that you won't do it again. It's a good idea to say that you're keen to settle without the need for court action.

Have a read through other SWR threads on the forum to look at some letter drafts and understand what might happen next. I'm not sure how much of what I've said to include needs to be in your first response - some of it might be for later. Other forum members will know about this. As a general rule of thumb, only tell them what they have asked for at each stage - no point incriminating yourself.

 

[Swedenorer]

Did the ticket specify via Barnham or, say, Three Bridges?

 

[hanniel47]

Did the ticket specify via Barnham or, say, Three Bridges?

Ticket specified via Barnham, thanks

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Apr 2026 ==

Obviously the primary thing you will need to do in your response is supply the details as requested. SWR should be happy to settle outside of court, with the cost being the anytime single fare for your journey plus an admin fee. It's important to be truthful in your response to them and to cooperate fully. Tell them that you are sorry for what has happened, that you understand how serious your actions were, and that you won't do it again. It's a good idea to say that you're keen to settle without the need for court action.

Have a read through other SWR threads on the forum to look at some letter drafts and understand what might happen next. I'm not sure how much of what I've said to include needs to be in your first response - some of it might be for later. Other forum members will know about this. As a general rule of thumb, only tell them what they have asked for at each stage - no point incriminating yourself.

Thank you, I certainly would read through