Southeastern PFN appeal

[blak3]

My wife recently got an PFN on the Southeastern. Long story short: she was meant to change trains at station x to buy a ticket and get to station y. Station only accepts paper tickets. Somehow the train she was on showed it was going to station y. She totally didn't think about the ticket and got given an on the spot fine at station Y.

We planning on appealing. We know it's very likely to be a lost cause but eh might be worth if it's dropped. I was wondering what would be the consequences of the appeal getting rejected on the first round? Are we given a chance to pay for half of the full £105.6 she was originally fined? Or are there any other legal implications like court etc?

 

[AlterEgo]

Which stations and trains are involved please? This is very important information which may affect what, if any, defence to appeal the Penalty Fare exists. What ticket did she have, and where was she “caught”?

Please upload the notice with personal details redacted if possible.

 

[WesternLancer]

My wife recently got an PFN on the Southeastern. Long story short: she was meant to change trains at station x to buy a ticket and get to station y. Station only accepts paper tickets. Somehow the train she was on showed it was going to station y. She totally didn't think about the ticket and got given an on the spot fine at station Y.

We planning on appealing. We know it's very likely to be a lost cause but eh might be worth if it's dropped. I was wondering what would be the consequences of the appeal getting rejected on the first round? Are we given a chance to pay for half of the full £105.6 she was originally fined? Or are there any other legal implications like court etc?

It will help if you give the info requested by @AlterEgo as ppl will then advise you how best to craft an appeal if there is a chance of it being successful.

However on your question. If you appeal, IIRC it 'stops the clock' and continues to allow the prompt payment discount to apply, even if you pursue appeals to the 3rd stage, which may be necessary.

It also serves to prevent prosecution I believe, for a ticketing offence, which may be of help (see other threads on this for explanations as to why)

So I don't think you have anything to loose by appealing, but it may increase your chances of the appeal being successful if you seek some further advice on that here.

 

[furlong]

The use of Penalty Fares is highly regulated so knowing the precise details is important if you want to understand the appeal options. The complexity means train companies often make mistakes when issuing them, so it's best if you can upload photos of both the ticket and penalty notice - but cover up names and ticket/notice numbers - and give details of the journey.