Reference Penalty: Fare Notice: R198023/APP0621 Thank you for your letter dated 12 August 2010, I have attached a copy of my Annual Season ticket GOLD CARD Ref: 6652403087W41 & a copy of a ticket I purchased on the day. I have also made copies of the football tickets of match I was going to watch with my wife. As I mentioned in may first correspondence to you. I MADE A REASONABLE EFFORT TO PURCHASE A TICKET BEFORE BOARDING. I asked your ticket inspector at Watford Junction Station if I needed a ticket and I showed him my ANNUAL ticket and he said no. When I was at the window buying my wife’s ticket I was advised for the SECOND time that I didn’t need a ticket as my ticket was for Zone 1-6 and further then Watford, and last but not least on the train I was advised the onboard ticket inspector that I didn’t need a ticket. I feel I made a more the reasonable tempt in waiting to purchase a ticket and I feel in accordance with Rule Eight for the Government's guidance on what constitutes a reasonable waiting time. I CHECKED THAT THE PERSON ASKING FOR THE FARE WAS AN "authorised collector". Under the Penalty Fares Rules 2002, sections 5 (2) and (3), only an "authorised collector ...individually authorised by or on behalf of the operator of that train" is allowed to collect penalty fares. Your inspector on my return was on the phone pointing me to the window and IGNORED my request to produce the special identification document which proves who he was. I would also like to mention that the penalty FARE WAS NOT written by the person who I had asked to show me his identity but by one of his colleagues. S.5.3(a) Regulation of Railways act 1889 Section 5 (1) Every passenger by a railway shall, on request by an officer or servant of a railway company, either produce, and if so requested deliver up, a ticket showing that his fare is paid, or pay his fare from the place whence he started, or give the officer or servant his name and address; and in the case of default shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine. I FULLY COMPLIED WITH THE ABOVE ACT AS I PRODUCED MY TICKET TO THRE OF YOUR INSPECTORS, AND WAS ADVISED BY THE THREE THAT I DIDN’T NEED A TICKET, HENCE WHY I PURCHASED ONE TICKET FOR MY WIFE, WHICH I HAVE ATTACHED AS A COPY. Section 5 (3) (a) If any person travels or attempts to travel on a railway without having previously paid his fare, and with intent to avoid payment thereof he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine. I had EVERY intention of paying for my ticket as per the above ACT. Therefore in order to avoid further delay and to enable a fair assessment of my appeal I give you 14 days of the date on this letter to respond or cancel this GROSSLY unfair fine.