SWT Ticket problem

[Ajones]

Yesterday I received a £20 penalty fare at Waterloo. Later that day I discovered that the ticket inspectors are supposed to offer you the chance to pay the penalty fare upfront- this one didn't, he insisted upon me giving my details of address so that SWT could bill me the fare which is a real inconvenience as I'm at University and don't live at home much these days. When I asked him if I could pay it upfront he said that I couldn't because he'd already started filling out the form- but this is not in line with SWT policy on penalty fares. I've heard that the penalty fare can be paid online but I'm still irritated that SWT now have me on record and can use this case against me in the future. Have I been mistreated here? Is there such a thing as appealing against the unfair retention of my personal information? Would I be likely to succeed in such an appeal? Thanks.

[rebel11]

Hi AJ

 

Welcome to CAG

 

The guys will advise you as soon as they are available.

Edited January 10, 2011 by MARTIN3030

[Wriggler7]

Whether you pay 'up front' or later, he is still entitled to request your details. I am surprised that he didn't accept your full payment, if it was 'on offer'. However, the penalty fare schemes do not allow 'collectors' to demand full payment on the spot. (They may ask, they may not 'demand') There are also many circumstances where they are required to consider your welfare over 'collection'.

Edited January 10, 2011 by MARTIN3030

[Wriggler7]

They are entitled to keep your details for a 'reasonable time'. The word 'reasonable' is one of those wonderfully imprecise words. I suspect that the data may be kept for about 7 years, unless you do 're-offend', in which case, it could be kept for a similar length of time from the date of the fresh offence. However, they need to have a reason to keep it.

Edited January 10, 2011 by MARTIN3030

[Stigy]

Yesterday I received a £20 penalty fare at Waterloo. Later that day I discovered that the ticket inspectors are supposed to offer you the chance to pay the penalty fare upfront- this one didn't, he insisted upon me giving my details of address so that SWT could bill me the fare which is a real inconvenience as I'm at University and don't live at home much these days. When I asked him if I could pay it upfront he said that I couldn't because he'd already started filling out the form- but this is not in line with SWT policy on penalty fares. I've heard that the penalty fare can be paid online but I'm still irritated that SWT now have me on record and can use this case against me in the future. Have I been mistreated here? Is there such a thing as appealing against the unfair retention of my personal information? Would I be likely to succeed in such an appeal? Thanks.

As Wriggler stated, the staff are entitled to request your details regardless, as you didn't have a valid rail ticket. Your post worries me a little, as I fear you are of the impression you were given a Penalty Fare, where in fact, you were reported for an alleged offence. Were you given the necessary Penalty Fare paperwork? Some Revenue folk aren't as clear as maybe they should be when reporting somebody. The person being reported should be told, in no uncertain terms "I'm reporting you, as I believe offences might have been committed" and also that "This is not a Penalty Fare matter".

 

I strongly agree with them holding details, as it helps to combat fare evasion. Even if you'd have paid up-front, the staff are entitled to, and really should but often don't, take your details, for the sole reason I meantioned about combatting fare evasion.

[Old-CodJA]

I think Stigy may possibly have hit the nail here.

 

You say you were 'given a £20 penalty fare'

 

Did you sign a numbered form, which was then handed to you?

 

The form will say on it when the appeal must be made, or penalty must be paid by. (If a penalty fare notice was issued yesterday you would have until 30th of January.)

 

If you were not given the form it is likely that you have been reported.

[RPI]

funny how the ones who have voted against the poll are all fare evaders.......

[honeybee13]

Hi guys. I keep finding this thread highlighted in bold and saying there's a new reply, but when I click on it, there's an old message, today it's RPI from 16/11.

 

Is it because there's a poll on the thread?

 

My best, HB

[Nystagmite]

That has confused me too, HB!