Penalty fare paid

[daedsiyllib]

Hi all,

I was traveling on Thameslink from London to Brighton. I had a fully paid ticket but was caught by the inspector on the train sitting in first class. The inspector noted the fact that I had the ticket, but also took my details.

I was issued with a Penalty Fare Notice on the spot which I have since paid online. The inspector said this isnt an MG11 but specifically a PFN and that I shouldnt expect any comms from Thameslink if I pay it.

After I paid, I got a receipt that said I should consider the matter closed. Is this the end of this situation? I dont have any other previous incidents with them or any other railway company.

 

[John R]

Yes, that’s the end of it. The only possible issue might be that if you come to the railway’s attention for a fare error in future the fact that you have been penalty fared already might make them refer you for prosecution, as opposed to giving you another penalty fare. So you need to be extra careful from now on.

 

[Hadders]

Once a Penalty Fare is paid that is the end of the matter. It is possible that the train company can check your ticket purchasing history to see if you've done this sort of thing before but cannot realistically be done with travelling in 1st class with a standard class ticket. Such a search can only really be done for things like short faring and buying after the train has departed.

Out of interest there are two first class compartments on Thameslink trains, which were you travelling in? The compartment at the very rear of the train is permanently declassified and can be used by passengers holding a standard class ticket.

 

[daedsiyllib]

Thank you both.

It was the front compartment- i wasnt aware about the rear compartment until after the PFN.

 

[Hadders]

Thank you both.

It was the front compartment- i wasnt aware about the rear compartment until after the PFN.

Ok that's a fair cop then! Next time remember to sit in the rer compartment if you want a more comfortable seat although in my experience the rear compartment is normally 'chav class'!

 

[gray1404]

Do you still have a copy of the penalty fare notice? It makes silly possible to appeal it on the basis it was not issued correctly or there was an error. In which case if you are successful what you have paid would have to be refunded to you.

 

[daedsiyllib]

Thank you, what error could it be?

 

[Egg Centric]

Thank you, what error could it be?

The rules for penalty fares are oddly specific - you can read the legislation at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/366/contents

Challenges tend to be under section 5, 6, 8 or 9.