I was instructed to pay £25 (double the fare price), but take note I didn't have any means of paying it. Reason being I was genuinely in a rush that morning and left my wallet at home. Subsequently I was cautioned and told One Railway will contact me in due course.
So today I received a letter. It was from the Prosecution Unit of London Eastern Railway.
"Dear sir,
On the (date here) at (station here) a person giving the above name and address was questioned by a member of rail staff about the payment of a rail fare.
Before I proceed further with the investigation of this matter, i would like to give you the opportunity of responding with your explanation concerning this incident. Please complete the bottom section of this letter and if you wish to make any comments about the incident, please do so on the reverse."
It then has a section for name, address, DOB, occupation and national insurance number.
What is all this about, and what will happen if I sign this?
2007-03-12 08:08:43 · 9 answers · asked by Maverick 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Frankly, I would've paid the fare I owed ASAP, to avoid all this.
You're getting sued for payment.
Try handling this in person. (pay the rail service and keep receipt)
If you sign that paper, you're admitting guilt of intentionally not paying. I would'nt sign it.
EDIT:
To the nay-sayer.......I've been in his shoes and I speak from experience. Trust me...Procrastination can cost.
2007-03-12 08:30:08 · answer #1 · answered by Bonnie Lynn 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I really don't think it is a good idea to get rid of the letter or to claim it wasn't you. I have never had this happen to me but if they took you to the police station and you were identified by the ticket inspector then you could be in trouble. A better idea would be to send it back with an explanation of what had happened and they would probably either fine you the 25 pounds or maybe a bit more or they would caution you.
2007-03-12 15:19:16 · answer #2 · answered by Donald J 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it means you haven't paid your fare, and when challenged you had no money, so you've been cautioned. No w you have the chance to give the reason why you didn't pay the £25. Although I believe you are genuine, you will still have to pay plus a fine and also cost. maybe you should have given the wrong address, though I believe their hand held computers can check post codes etc. Good Luck.
2007-03-12 15:21:35 · answer #3 · answered by jimbob 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well it sounds like they contacted you like they said they would! So how did you manage to get on the train without a ticket anyway ? And how did you get home?
So perhaps you can go back with the fact you had forgotten your wallet that day, and that you'd be willing to pay the cost of the fare if they could let you know where to pay it and how to prove to them that you have paid it. And Pay It. You used the service, pay for it. And avoid a criminal prosecution.
2007-03-12 15:15:27 · answer #4 · answered by nikki 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Explain you are a regular user that it was an emergency.
Remember you are talking to another human. Tell them you tried to explain. But realised he was only doing his job.
Nothing will happen they will confirm that you have not done this before that's why the information is required although it could be a life times subscription to readers digest
2007-03-12 15:17:49 · answer #5 · answered by froggerty 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you left your wallet at home did you have any ID on you? if not then claim it wasn't you and give the fare to a charity, you'll still have paid the fare and someone else will have benefitted.
2007-03-12 15:13:21 · answer #6 · answered by bassmonkey1969 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You have made a genuine mistake, or so you say. That being the case tell them what happened, what's the problem?
2007-03-14 06:02:09 · answer #7 · answered by Captain Sarcasm 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It looks like a court appearance, hefty fine and a criminal record. See a Solicitor. Your reply to this letter is evidence that can be used in court.
2007-03-12 15:24:20 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Do you own a shredder?
2007-03-12 15:13:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋