Penalty Fare

[Fridge]

Hi guys, I was travelling on the 1 o clock train today and I had a ticket for the 2 o clock train. When the ticketing inspector came round they charged me a penalty fine. They asked for my name and address which I didn’t give, but I payed the fine on the spot. Is this the end of this or should I expect more? It’s making me quite anxious so would appreciate a response ))

 

[mikeg]

That should be the end of the matter though it is worth checking if there are any grounds for appeal. In particular what type of ticket did you hold, the signage at the station where you began your journey and any on station ticketing facilities are all relevant.

 

[Hadders]

We really need to know a little bit more information here.

Which stations were you travelling between? WHich train company?
It sounds as though you had an Advance ticket which can only be used on the specified train (there are a handful of exceptions generally if your journey has been disrupted by the rail industry). If you travel on the wrong train then you can be treated as though you don't hold a ticket at all and a Penalty Fare can be an appropriate remedy.

Be aware that you are legally required to give your name and address when asked to do so, and not doing so is a criinal offence. If you have paid the Penalty Fare then I doubt anything more is going to come of it but do be aware of this for future reference.

 

[Fridge]

We really need to know a little bit more information here.

Which stations were you travelling between? WHich train company?
It sounds as though you had an Advance ticket which can only be used on the specified train (there are a handful of exceptions generally if your journey has been disrupted by the rail industry). If you travel on the wrong train then you can be treated as though you don't hold a ticket at all and a Penalty Fare can be an appropriate remedy.

Be aware that you are legally required to give your name and address when asked to do so, and not doing so is a criinal offence. If you have paid the Penalty Fare then I doubt anything more is going to come of it but do be aware of this for future reference.

I had a standard ticket, cheapest option on the app. I was travelling between Sheffield and Manchester Pic. Thanks for your advice. I do hope nothing else comes of it has the fine was pretty hefty compared to the 16 pound original ticket . They don’t have my name or address so I wonder how they would even get into contact but you never know I guess. Thanks for your help

 

[AlterEgo]

I had a standard ticket, cheapest option on the app. I was travelling between Sheffield and Manchester Pic. Thanks for your advice. I do hope nothing else comes of it has the fine was pretty hefty compared to the 16 pound original ticket . They don’t have my name or address so I wonder how they would even get into contact but you never know I guess. Thanks for your help

How much was the penalty fare? Are you sure it was a penalty fare, and you weren’t just sold a new ticket?

 

[Haywain]

the fine was pretty hefty compared to the 16 pound original ticket

A Penalty Fare charged at £75.40?

 

[island]

If your ticket was an electronic ticket and was scanned by the ticket inspector then you can be traced this way. It's unlikely to happen but is possible.

That should be the end of the matter though it is worth checking if there are any grounds for appeal. In particular what type of ticket did you hold, the signage at the station where you began your journey and any on station ticketing facilities are all relevant.

I would not recommend appealing, as this would give the train company all the information it would need to prosecute the OP for failing to provide their name, address, and date of birth.

 

[Fridge]

A Penalty Fare charged at £75.40?

Yes this was the price

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Aug 2023 ==

If your ticket was an electronic ticket and was scanned by the ticket inspector then you can be traced this way. It's unlikely to happen but is possible.

I would not recommend appealing, as this would give the train company all the information it would need to prosecute the OP for failing to provide their name, address, and date of birth.

So if I don’t appeal that will be the end of it?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Aug 2023 ==

If your ticket was an electronic ticket and was scanned by the ticket inspector then you can be traced this way. It's unlikely to happen but is possible.

I would not recommend appealing, as this would give the train company all the information it would need to prosecute the OP for failing to provide their name, address, and date of birth.

What would happen if they charged me for failing to provide name, address ect..

 

[island]

Yes this was the price

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Aug 2023 ==


So if I don’t appeal that will be the end of it?

Yes, if you have paid the Penalty Fare in full that is the end of the matter.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Aug 2023 ==


What would happen if they charged me for failing to provide name, address ect..

You could be fined up to £1,000 plus costs and surcharges.

 

[Fridge]

Yes, if you have paid the Penalty Fare in full that is the end of the matter.

You could be fined up to £1,000 plus costs and surcharges.

Could they still fine me this? Or should I consider the whole thing finished. Sorry for the constant questions just want to be sure thanks for your help

 

[island]

Could they still fine me this? Or should I consider the whole thing finished. Sorry for the constant questions just want to be sure thanks for your help

Again, the current state of things is that the matter is closed. Next time, remember you're legally obliged to buy a valid ticket before boarding and to give your name and address to railway staff if being dealt with for a ticket violation.

 

[Fridge]

Again, the current state of things is that the matter is closed. Next time, remember you're legally obliged to buy a valid ticket before boarding and to give your name and address to railway staff if being dealt with for a ticket violation.

Lesson = Learnt. Thanks a lot

 

[6Gman]

If your ticket was an electronic ticket and was scanned by the ticket inspector then you can be traced this way. It's unlikely to happen but is possible.

I would not recommend appealing, as this would give the train company all the information it would need to prosecute the OP for failing to provide their name, address, and date of birth.

I don't believe there is an obligation to provide a date of birth is there?

 

[swt_passenger]

I don't believe there is an obligation to provide a date of birth is there?

Yes, in England. It was added in the 2022 amendments to the 2018 Penalty Fare regulations.

 

[Ediswan]

Yes, in England. It was added in the 2022 amendments to the 2018 Penalty Fare regulations.

True, but only applicable "Where a collector proposes to charge a person a penalty fare". Which was the case here.

 

[Fridge]

True, but only applicable "Where a collector proposes to charge a person a penalty fare". Which was the case here.

So if I hadn’t payed up front then the fact I didn’t say name and address would have been a problem?

 

[AlterEgo]

So if I hadn’t payed up front then the fact I didn’t say name and address would have been a problem?

Yes, and you committed an offence either way anyway by refusing to give your details.

 

[Huntergreed]

Yes, in England. It was added in the 2022 amendments to the 2018 Penalty Fare regulations.

Out of curiosity - what was the reason for this?

 

[Mcr Warrior]

A Penalty Fare charged at £75.40?

Presumably Anytime Day Single fare of £25.40 (Sheffield to Manchester Stns) + £50.00 on top.