Northern rail - Debt recovery and prosecutions unit letter

[JamesPearce94]

Hi all,

On Thursday 21 January 2016 I was travelling from Sheffield to Marple. I was in a rush for the train I had just finished a lecture at 16:00 and my train was at 16:14 by the time I got to the station I didn't have enough time to get a ticket with the current queues without missing my train ( big mistake I know). I had travelled this route many times and a conductor usually checks my ticket or lets you buy one on the train which is what I was hoping to do. Through my journey I didn't have my ticket checked by a conductor and left the train. ( I am now aware I am supposed to find the conductor but this was a one off and I didn't know it was my responsibility to hunt him out) It was approximately 17:09 when I got off and I walked past the ticket office which had all its lights off and dark and left the station and was questioned by an Revenue officer who took my details. He assured me at the time as it was my first offence as long as I told the truth and showed I was sorry and wouldn't do it again I wouldn't come to much.

I have now received in the post this letter which is very official and threatening prosecution and a criminal record referencing the regulation of railways act 1889 asking me to give an explanation regarding the matter and threatening a fine.

I would just like to ask you what my best possible route forward in this situation. by the time I received the letter last night 5 days had already gone since the date on the letter so any help would be appreciated.

Many thanks,

James

 

[crehld]

As you've recognized, walking past the the ticket office at Sheffield was a big mistake. I appreciate the usual actions of Northern's on board staff actively encourage the perception that it's OK to buy on board when there was a ticket office open or a ticket machine available, but that's not going to be considered a mitigating factor here.

As it's your first offence, the best course of action is to respond to the letter you've been sent. Stick to the basic facts of the incident. Explain you were in a rush to catch the train and bypassed the ticket office, but now realise this was wrong. Offer a sincere apology, make a commitment that as you understand the legal requirements to buy before you board where you can you will not make the same mistake again, and offer to pay any outstanding fare due along with any administrative costs that have been occurred. As this is a first offence, the likely outcome from a well crafted and honest reply is likely to be costs in the region of £80, plus any outstanding fare due, although Northern retain the right to pursue prosecution if they want (unlikely but possible).

 

[najaB]

I would just like to ask you what my best possible route forward in this situation. by the time I received the letter last night 5 days had already gone since the date on the letter so any help would be appreciated.

Hi James, welcome to the forum though I wish it was in better circumstances.

This letter is your opportunity to try to convince Northern that this case isn't worth taking to court. Your letter should show them four things:

1. That you understand that you should have bought a ticket before boarding.
2. That you appreciate that ticketless travel costs them (and by extension all passengers) money.
3. That you are sorry that they have incurred additional costs in dealing with the matter.
4. That you will never do it again.

On receipt of your letter they will choose from four options:

1. Drop the matter with no further action taken.
2. Request an interview or further information before taking further action.
3. Agree to settle the matter for payment of the outstanding fare (with or without additional costs).
4. Determine that there are no mitigating factors and proceed with a prosecution

Based on what you have written here, and assuming that your letter of reply is clear, the most likely outcome is #3. Seeing as it's Northern, to cost is likely to be £80.

If it would be of assistance, you can post your letter here (without any personal information) and we can give advice on any improvements.

 

[JamesPearce94]

Thank you for your swift replies.

If I had only hung on and had a coffee and got the train an hour later I wouldn't be in this mess but what's done is done and I know I am in the wrong. It will be a lesson well learned so be it a very expensive one for a student such as myself. I am drafting a letter now and I will post up once I am happy with it and hopefully it will come across as honest and sorry.

Thank you all for making me feel welcome I definitely lost a bit of sleep last night.

 

[crehld]

Thank you for your swift replies.

If I had only hung on and had a coffee and got the train an hour later I wouldn't be in this mess but what's done is done and I know I am in the wrong. It will be a lesson well learned so be it a very expensive one for a student such as myself. I am drafting a letter now and I will post up once I am happy with it and hopefully it will come across as honest and sorry.

Thank you all for making me feel welcome I definitely lost a bit of sleep last night.

You might want to have a look at the model letter in this post to see the sort of thing you should be aiming for (obviously changing it to fit your circumstances): http://www.railforums.co.uk/showpost.php?p=2274688&postcount=24

 

[JamesPearce94]

Hi all I have drafted a letter using the resource crehld has provided. Can you see anything you would change or add?

Thank you all I honestly appreciate all the help you have given me!

*******************

Dear Sir or Madem,

Many thanks for your letter dated 09/02/2016 and offering me the opportunity to respond.

On 21 January 2016 I boarded the 16:14 Northern rail service from Sheffield to Marple. I was in a rush as I had just finished a lecture at 16:00. I boarded this service without having purchased a ticket from Sheffield, thinking I could purchase one on board. Upon arrival at Marple I had not purchased a ticket on board and I was met by a Revenue officer who informed me I had broken the law and took my details.

I now realise that having boarded the train at Sheffield without buying a ticket was wrong and against the law, and being in a rush to catch the train is not a valid excuse. I would like to offer my sincere apologies for my actions and thank the officer at Marple for reminding me of my legal requirement to always purchase a ticket before boarding a train. I would also like to offer my reassurances that I have learned a lesson and will not board a train again without purchasing a ticket.

I am aware that my actions have cost Northern rail financially. I would like to remedy this situation and avoid it being escalated further by way of an administrative settlement. I would like to offer payment of the appropriate outstanding fare and to cover any additional administrative costs you have incurred as a result of my inappropriate actions.

Yours faithfully

James *****

 

[Llanigraham]

That letter appears fine.

 

[Agent_c]

Madam, not Madem.

 

[JamesPearce94]

Thanks a lot guys I will let you know the outcome. I adjusted the spelling mistake thanks agent.

 

[crehld]

Thanks a lot guys I will let you know the outcome. I adjusted the spelling mistake thanks agent.

Great. Let is know how it goes.

 

[JamesPearce94]

Hi all,

Just letting you know how I got on. I have just received a fixed penalty in the post of £80 + my ticket off £11.70.

Thanks for all your help, an expensive lesson well learnt.

 

[najaB]

Hi all,

Just letting you know how I got on. I have just received a fixed penalty in the post of £80 + my ticket off £11.70.

Thanks for all your help, an expensive lesson well learnt.

Glad to hear it. Please don't let it put of you off using the railway in future.

 

[crehld]

Hi all,

Just letting you know how I got on. I have just received a fixed penalty in the post of £80 + my ticket off £11.70.

Thanks for all your help, an expensive lesson well learnt.

Amicable result. Thanks for letting us know!