Starting your off peak return just before the off peak restrictions

[mm333]

If you have the return portion of a ticket from C-A and the off peak restrictions come into force before you get to B, can you buy a single from C-B, then use your return portion to get from B-A?

Examples:
An off peak return from Leeds to Lincoln is only valid after 9.30. The 0925 from Lincoln to Retford & Sheffield departs at 0925 and calls at Saxilby at 0934. So the return portion of an Off Peak Return isn't valid from Lincoln. But is it OK to buy a single from Lincoln to Saxilby, then use the off peak Lincoln-Leeds ticket from Saxilby?

A off peak day return from Leeds-Walsden isn't valid between 1601 and 1829. Coming back Walsden, is it OK to board the 1827 from Walsden-Todmorden and buy a single, and then use off peak Walsden-Leeds ticket from Tod when the next train leaves at 1842?

 

[lightbulb]

Yes, all perfectly fine, although bear in mind that in your last example you mention boarding the train first and then buying a ticket (on the train) which is not allowed, unless the ticket office is closed, and there are no facilties to purchase the ticket from a ticket machine.

 

[button_boxer]

It would depend on exactly how the specific restriction code is worded. If it's "not valid for travel between X and Y" then you should be ok, but if it's "not valid on trains timed to depart C between ..." then it's the time of departure from C that would disqualify the whole service regardless of where you "join" it.

 

[Searle]

That's fine, although if you can get through the gates at Lincoln (either the gates will be open or you can ask the staff. On a side note, my off peak ticket to York has worked the barriers at 9am before!), then I'm sure the train guard wouldn't mind really. The train stands for half an hour at Lincoln before leaving, so you have ample time to ask (and even go back out of the station to buy a ticket if you need to!)