TFL fare evasion

[Leviathan657]

I was stopped today by a TfL ticket inspector for using a friend’s 11-15 ZIP, I am a student who travels to college and have been using the card for the last 2 months. Money has been a main concern as to why I was using the card and I am now aware how serious and criminal my actions were.
I suspect to receive a letter from TFL about the incident. It’s been on my mind a lot as I plan on starting a course and future job in banking which as a result of a possible conviction will be an issue.

Could I get possible outcomes of my dilemma and also help.

Thanks

 

[skyhigh]

You simply need to wait for the letter. Unfortunately TfL take misuse of passes like this seriously and tend to prosecute rather than agree settlements or warnings.

How old are you?

 

[Leviathan657]

You simply need to wait for the letter. Unfortunately TfL take misuse of passes like this seriously and tend to prosecute rather than agree settlements or warnings.

How old are you?

19

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Nov 2023 ==

You simply need to wait for the letter. Unfortunately TfL take misuse of passes like this seriously and tend to prosecute rather than agree settlements or warnings.

How old are you?

Do you think this incident will have a detrimental effect on my future prospects in finance. And what is the likelihood I’m given a criminal charge. This is my first run in with the law and it’s had me stressed out a lot.

 

[skyhigh]

Do you think this incident will have a detrimental effect on my future prospects in finance. And what is the likelihood I’m given a criminal charge. This is my first run in with the law and it’s had me stressed out a lot.

Generally (if prosecuted) the charge is relatively minor and wouldn't have much impact on career prospects as long as disclosed appropriately, although it would probably be worth seeking proper advice from someone on that.

As you are 19 and misused the pass for a length of time you should prepare yourself that TfL won't settle and will prosecute you. That doesn't mean it's impossible to avoid a conviction, just that in most cases TfL will prosecute. All you can do is wait for their letter to arrive and respond in a way that shows you are sorry, understand the seriousness and that it won't happen again.

 

[John R]

It’s very likely that you will be charged, as TfL tend not to offer out of court settlements, although obviously the more contrite and genuine (hint - don’t use AI to write your letter) you come across in your response when you get the letter the more chance you have. Though if you have been doing this for a couple of months, I think it’s unlikely they won’t proceed to court.

Re the second point, it may be in your favour that any conviction will be over 12 months at the time you start applying for roles in banking, but that all depends on the precise questions you are asked regarding previous convictions. The banking industry is exceptionally tight in terms of fiduciary matters, and for obvious reasons doesn’t want anyone dishonest working in it. Which of course you are, regardless of how unimportant you thought it was.

 

[Leviathan657]

What time frame am I looking at for this whole ordeal to be over?

 

[John R]

TfL has 6 months to prosecute you, but it’s likely to be much sooner than that in terms of first contact with you. I dont think it’s possible to be more precise than that, sorry.

 

[Haywain]

Do you think this incident will have a detrimental effect on my future prospects in finance.

Probably less than it should. How would you feel if you went to someone for financial advice and found out they had got a recent conviction for (financial) dishonesty? It's a minor offence but consider how it looks.

 

[furlong]

Yes, you should have a long hard think about your career choice and change your ways.

You could get convicted of fraud for this, making your career choice very challenging. Luckily for you, TfL typically will make a generous offer to only prosecute for one sample minor offence (not fraud) based on the occasion you got caught provided you agree that all the other instances they discover can be taken into account by the court when sentencing (so you still pay them the full amount of compensation).

 

[Hadders]

Welcome to the forum!

Transport for London take misue of Zip Oyster Cards very seriously and proseuction in the Magistrates Court is almost always the outcome. What happes next is they will send you a Verification Letter asking you to confirm what happened and give any mitigating factors you want them to take into consideration when deciding how to proceed. It is important that you engage with and reply to this letter. The letter typically takes a couple of weeks to arrive.

I suggest you include the following in your reply:

- That you are sorry for what has happened
- What you have learned from the incident
- That you are keen to settle the matter without the need for court action
- Offer to pay the outstanding fare and the train company's administrative costs in dealing with the matter

TfL do not normally offer court of court settlements, especially where misue of a Zip Oyster card is concerned. If you are charged under a Bylaw offence and plead guilty (or are found guilty following a trial) then you can expect to pay:

- A fine based on your income - normally discounted by a third if you plead guilty at the earlierst opportunity
- A surcharge of 40% of the value of the finr=e
- A contribution towards TfL's costs of bringing the case to court
- Compensation for the fares avoided

A Bylaw conviction is a criminal conviction but irdinarily isn't enyered into the Police National Computer and ordinarily won't show on a DBS check). This said we would always advice being honest of you are asking if you have a conviction.

Here's a link to TfL's Revenue Enforcement and Prosecutions Policy which I suggest you take a look at:

https://tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/revenue-enforcement-and-prosecutions-policy.pdf

 

[clagmonster]

As a 19year old student,it could well be worth looking at whether it is worthwhile you getting an 18+ Oyster. If so, apply for one and include the application in the response to your verification letter. This will at least show TfL that you are less likely to reoffend.

18+ Student Oyster photocard

Find out if you're eligible for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard for discounted travel in London

tfl.gov.uk

 

[Leviathan657]

Dear whom this may concern,



I would like to accept committing an offence on the 16th of November 2023 and express my greatest apologise for my unacceptable actions of using the non-transferable 11-15 zip card. During the initial stop from your revenue officer, I was very co-operative and compliant. The days after the incident I informed myself on the steep number of fare evasion and the revenue that TFL loses annually because of it. To prevent this from further occurring I have ordered a student oyster card form myself and have applied for the Colleges bursary which will help me pay for any future transport costs when using TfL services.



As the oldest, just turning 19, in a family of 6 with my father the sole worker in a nightshift service job. Them being on child and housing benefits meant I was not supported financially. As a teenager I aspired to pursue a career in accounting and finance. The first steps taken by studying a full time Level 2 AAT qualification. If this case was to proceed and result in me receiving a conviction then it would obliterate any chances of me further progressing in my financial career, seen by the character reference attached by my college tutor who emphasises the detrimental affect a railway offence would have on any of my future chances of getting a job. This is further backed by accountants being processed with an enhanced DBS check for any role that they partake in, meaning if I were to be working, it would have led to me losing my job.



I understand the seriousness of the situation I am in, having not been on the wrong side the law before I plead that TfL move to prosecute me Out of Court as I know the severity of my actions and believe I should compensate for them. I would be inclined to pay for any unpaid fares, the administration cost for bringing this case forward and any other charges that TfL deem appropriate. The result of the case proceeding to a prosecution would have life changing ramification, I have taken action to ensure that I will not re-offend by purchasing a student oyster and acquiring financial aid from my college.



I am aware of TfL’s procedure of prosecution and that fare evasion is a matter strict liability but I hope to be able to reach a possible conclusion which does not have significant and career changing consequences.

 

[Leviathan657]

Is this letter appropriate? How could it be improved?

 

[Leviathan657]

Please could I get some feedback?

 

[John R]

The second paragraph is far too verbose, much of which is unnecessary and irrelevant. You need to think very carefully yourself in terms of what you are actually saying, which is "I aspire to a career where utmost faith and honesty is paramount - you caught me engaging in fraudulent activity - please don't prosecute me".

I would change " I would be inclined to" to something like "I would appreciate the opportunity to...", as your inclination in the matter is irrelevant - the ball is in TFL's court as to how the matter proceeds.

Also, TFL wouldn't prosecute out of court, they would (if you are very lucky, but don't hold your breath, as they tend to play hardball) offer an out of court settlement.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Is this letter appropriate? How could it be improved?

I've made some changes in italics and by striking through the bits I think you should miss out

Dear whom this may concern, Sir or Madam



I would like to accept committing an offence on the 16th of November 2023 and express my greatest apologise apologies for my unacceptable actions of using the non-transferable 11-15 zip card. During the initial stop from your revenue officer, I was very co-operative and compliant. The days after the incident I informed myself on the steep number of fare evasion and the revenue that TFL loses annually because of it. To prevent this from further occurring I have ordered a student oyster card form for myself and have applied for the Colleges College's bursary which will help me pay for any future transport costs when using TfL services.



As the oldest, just turning 19, in a family of 6 with my father the sole worker in a nightshift service job. Them being on child and housing benefits meant I was not supported financially. As a teenager I aspired aspire to pursue a career in accounting and finance. The first steps taken by studying a full time Level 2 AAT qualification. If this case was to proceed and result in me receiving a conviction then it would obliterate any chances of me further progressing in my financial career, seen by the character reference attached by my college tutor who emphasises the detrimental affect a railway offence would have on any of my future chances of getting a job. This is further backed by accountants being processed with an enhanced DBS check for any role that they partake in, meaning if I were to be working, it would have led to me losing my job.



I understand the seriousness of the situation I am in, having not been on the wrong side the law before I plead that TfL move to prosecute me agree to settle this matter Out of Court as I now know the severity of my actions and believe I should compensate for them. I would be inclined grateful if you would allow me to pay for any unpaid fares, the administration cost for bringing this case forward and any other charges that TfL deem appropriate. The result of the case proceeding to a prosecution would have life changing ramification, ramifications. I have taken action to ensure that I will not re-offend by purchasing a student oyster and acquiring financial aid from my college.



I am aware of TfL’s procedure of prosecution and that fare evasion is a matter strict liability but I hope to be able to reach a possible conclusion which fully compensates TfL and does not have significant and career changing consequences.

Mainly I'm trying to correct a few words which aren't quite right. You're broadly saying the right things so see if TfL will agree not to prosecute.

(edited to correct a typo)

 

[30907]

Additional feedback:
Your second paragraph is almost entirely redundant. Your personal circumstances will carry little if any weight, as they have heard it all before.
Your future prospects may or may not be affected by a conviction, depending on what charge is alleged, and you will only know that when you receive the letter (please redact and upload it so we can advise further).

 

[Leviathan657]

I have a character reference from a teacher, plus start dates for when my course starts. Should I attach them and also should I add evidence for the consequences of having a criminal record will have when trying to become an accountant?

 

[Hadders]

I have a character reference from a teacher, plus start dates for when my course starts. Should I attach them and also should I add evidence for the consequences of having a criminal record will have when trying to become an accountant?

By all means attach references.

Referring to consequences is a tricky one. TfL really won’t care about this, and arguably it could go against you as it could be argued that you should be aware of these sort of consequences, given the career you want to pursue, and taken better decisions to make sure you followed the law.

 

[Leviathan657]

I aim to send off my verification letter today: I will attach it soon. Could I get some last minute help before sending off. thank you, and much appreciated.

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi all,

Dear Sir or Madam,





I would like to accept committing an offence on the 16th of November 2023 and express my greatest apologies for my unacceptable actions of using my sisters non-transferable 11-15 zip card. During the initial stop from your revenue officer, I was very co-operative and compliant. The days after the incident I informed myself on the steep number of fare evasion and the revenue that TFL loses because of it. To prevent this from further occurring I have ordered a student oyster card for myself and have applied for the college’s bursary which will help me pay for any future transport costs when using TfL services.



As the oldest, just turning 19, in a family of 6 with my father the sole worker in a nightshift service job. Him being on child and housing benefits meant I was not supported financially. I am currently unemployed and plan on pursuing a career in accounting and finance. If this case was to proceed and result in me receiving a conviction then it would obliterate any chances of me further progressing in my financial career, seen by the character reference attached by my college tutor who emphasises the detrimental affect a railway offence would have on any of my future chances of getting a job. This is further backed by accountants being processed with an enhanced DBS check for any role that they partake in, meaning if I were to be employed, I would lose my job and not be able to support my family. After researching, ICAEW, the international accounting regulatory board also state a person with any financial misconduct will be posed as unfit and unsuitable for the role; evidence attached.



I understand the seriousness of the situation I am in, having not been on the wrong side the law before I plead that TfL agree to settle this matter Out of Court as I now know the severity of my actions and believe I should compensate for them. I would be grateful if you would allow me to pay for any unpaid fares, the administration cost for bringing this case forward and any other charges that TfL deem appropriate. The result of the case proceeding to a prosecution would have life changing ramifications. I have taken action to ensure that I will not re-offend by purchasing a student oyster and acquiring financial aid from my college.



I am aware of TfL’s procedure of prosecution and that fare evasion is a matter strict liability, but I hope to be able to reach a possible conclusion which fully compensates TfL and does not have significant and career changing consequences.



- Is this good enough to be sent off?
- Is there anything that I could add?

wanted to get some last feedback before I send it.

Thank you.

I guess you could end with something like "I would be most greatly if you could look favourably on my request."

 

[DaleCooper]

I guess you could end with something like "I would be most greatly if you could look favourably on my request."

"most greatly"?

 

[Fawkes Cat]

"most greatly"?

Appears to be a typo. Maybe 'most grateful'

 

[Hadders]

I've been away for a couple of day so just catching up, but please do keep us updated with how you get on.

 

[furlong]

The counter-argument is that someone who behaves like this is unsuited to entering a career as an accountant so it's in the public interest for such a prosecution to go ahead to try to avoid money being wasted training someone for an inappropriate career and it's in the individual's own interest to be encouraged to change career direction towards something that doesn't require such a high level of personal integrity sooner rather than later.

 

[dumbgirl]

Hi. Do TFL byelaw convictions show on enhanced DBS? Has anyone charged of tfl byelaws had it shown on enhanced dbs? A lot of people are saying it is but im not seeing proof of it showing?

 

[Gloster]

Hi. Do TFL byelaw convictions show on enhanced DBS? Has anyone charged of tfl byelaws had it shown on enhanced dbs? A lot of people are saying it is but im not seeing proof of it showing?

If you have a problem or wish to get information about a situation please start your own thread. No two cases and no two problems are exactly the same and having two cases on one thread can cause confusion.

 

[Leviathan657]

Update: Received a final warning, very surprised but thankful & lesson learned.

Thank you to all who contributed to the thread.

(-is there also an option to change my username?)

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Mar 2024 ==

Update: Received a final warning, very surprised but thankful & lesson learned.

Thank you to all who contributed to the thread.

(-is there also an option to change my username?)

Formal warning*

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Update: Received a final warning, very surprised but thankful & lesson learned.

Thank you to all who contributed to the thread.

(-is there also an option to change my username?)

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Mar 2024 ==


Formal warning*

That's a good result - thanks for letting us know. It will be really helpful when we're trying to advise other posters who might have a similar problem

 

[Haywain]

Update: Received a final warning, very surprised but thankful & lesson learned.

Thank you to all who contributed to the thread.

(-is there also an option to change my username?)

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Mar 2024 ==


Formal warning*

I hope that you appreciate that you are extremely lucky.