Reported for prosecution. Advice needed.

[Bungo]

Hello,

Recently, I was travelling from Reading to Kings cross and at Paddington I was stopped at the barrier and stupidly forgot my railcard was not on my new phone. I attempted to sort it out but because I was just standing behind the barrier someone came over and started telling me I had to produce my railcard at that moment. I told her I was unable to at that moment but I would be able to in a few minutes. but I was unable to add the railcard as it was already on two phones and the servers on the national rail website were not permitting me to log into my account to change this. She has written me up and she said that as long as I can prove I had a valid railcard at point of travel there would be no further action taken, I was wondering if anyone had similar experiences and if there would be a fine/further action?

 

[spag23]

I believe you are allowed to forget your Railcard once, without penalty. When they write to you, just send them proof that you had one at the time of the incident.
If you can't trust your phones, perhaps keep a printout in your wallet/bag.
And note the expiry date somewhere reliable.

 

[methecooldude]

Hello,

Recently, I was travelling from Reading to Kings cross and at Paddington I was stopped at the barrier and stupidly forgot my railcard was not on my new phone. I attempted to sort it out but because I was just standing behind the barrier someone came over and started telling me I had to produce my railcard at that moment. I told her I was unable to at that moment but I would be able to in a few minutes. but I was unable to add the railcard as it was already on two phones and the servers on the national rail website were not permitting me to log into my account to change this. She has written me up and she said that as long as I can prove I had a valid railcard at point of travel there would be no further action taken, I was wondering if anyone had similar experiences and if there would be a fine/further action?

You'll probably receive a letter asking to provide proof of the railcard. So I would screenshot both the railcard added to your new phone and, if possible, a screenshot from the railcards.co.uk account showing the active railcard. Enclose these images with a reply to the letter and should hopefully be the end of it

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Technically you didn't have a valid ticket without having an in date railcard with you or being able to produce a valid e-railcard.

What @methecooldude has suggested upthread just now, should, however, assist resolving your situation.

P.S. Welcome to the forum!

 

[jamiearmley]

I believe you are allowed to forget your Railcard once, without penalty. When they write to you, just send them proof that you had one at the time of the incident.
If you can't trust your phones, perhaps keep a printout in your wallet/bag.
And note the expiry date somewhere reliable.

You cannot use a printout, a screenshot, a confirmation email, or information from your railcard account to prove you hold a railcard whilst travelling.

The only acceptable form of digital railcard is live, in the app, with the security features active.

The above advice is good for a ticket, yes, but not a railcard, unfortunately.

 

[island]

You did not have a valid ticket, as a Railcard discounted ticket is not valid unless the relevant Railcard can be produced at first demand.

Assuming you owned a valid Railcard of the right type at the time of the incident, however, you are eligible for the discretionary once a year forgotten Railcard process. You would normally have received a piece of paper with a reference number and email address to send proof of Railcard ownership to.