Jump to content


  • Tweets

  • Posts

    • I have looked at the car park and it is quite clearly marked that it is  pay to park  and advising that there are cameras installed so kind of difficult to dispute that. On the other hand it doesn't appear to state at the entrance what the charge is for breaching their rules. However they do have a load of writing in the two notices under the entrance sign which it would help if you could photograph legible copies of them. Also legible photos of the signs inside the car park as well as legible photos of the payment signs. I say legible because the wording of their signs is very important as to whether they have formed a contract with motorists. For example the entrance sign itself doe not offer a contract because it states the T&Cs are inside the car park. But the the two signs below may change that situation which is why we would like to see them. I have looked at their Notice to Keeper which is pretty close to what it should say apart from one item. Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 Schedule 4 Section 9 [2]a] the PCN should specify the period of parking. It doesn't. It does show the ANPR times but that includes driving from the entrance to the parking spot and then from the parking place to the exit. I know that this is a small car park but the Act is quite clear that the parking period must be specified. That failure means that the keeper is no longer responsible for the charge, only the driver is now liable to pay. Should this ever go to Court , Judges do not accept that the driver and the keeper are the same person so ECP will have their work cut out deciding who was driving. As long as they do not know, it will be difficult for them to win in Court which is one reason why we advise not to appeal since the appeal can lead to them finding out at times that the driver  and the keeper were the same person. You will get loads of threats from ECP and their sixth rate debt collectors and solicitors. They will also keep quoting ever higher amounts owed. Do not worry, the maximum. they can charge is the amount on the sign. Anything over that is unlawful. You can safely ignore the drivel from the Drips but come back to us should you receive a Letter of Claim. That will be the Snotty letter time.
    • please stop using @username - sends unnecessary alerts to people. everyone that's posted on your thread inc you gets an automatic email alert when someone else posts.  
    • he Fraser group own Robin park in Wigan. The CEO's email  is  [email protected]
    • Yes, it was, but in practice we've found time after time that judges will not rule against PPCs solely on the lack of PP.  They should - but they don't.  We include illegal signage in WSs, but more as a tactic to show the PPC up as spvis rather than in the hope that the judge will act on that one point alone. But sue them for what?  They haven't really done much apart from sending you stupid letters. Breach of GDPR?  It could be argued they knew you had Supremacy of Contact but it's a a long shot. Trespass to your vehicle?  I know someone on the Parking Prankster blog did that but it's one case out of thousands. Surely best to defy them and put the onus on them to sue you.  Make them carry the risk.  And if they finally do - smash them. If you want, I suppose you could have a laugh at the MA's expense.  Tell them about the criminality they have endorsed and give them 24 hours to have your tickets cancelled and have the signs removed - otherwise you will contact the council to start enforcement for breach of planning permission.
    • Developing computer games can be wildly expensive so some hope that AI can cut the cost.View the full article
  • Recommended Topics

  • Our picks

    • If you are buying a used car – you need to read this survival guide.
      • 1 reply
    • Hello,

      On 15/1/24 booked appointment with Big Motoring World (BMW) to view a mini on 17/1/24 at 8pm at their Enfield dealership.  

      Car was dirty and test drive was two circuits of roundabout on entry to the showroom.  Was p/x my car and rushed by sales exec and a manager into buying the mini and a 3yr warranty that night, sale all wrapped up by 10pm.  They strongly advised me taking warranty out on car that age (2017) and confirmed it was honoured at over 500 UK registered garages.

      The next day, 18/1/24 noticed amber engine warning light on dashboard , immediately phoned BMW aftercare team to ask for it to be investigated asap at nearest garage to me. After 15 mins on hold was told only their 5 service centres across the UK can deal with car issues with earliest date for inspection in March ! Said I’m not happy with that given what sales team advised or driving car. Told an amber warning light only advisory so to drive with caution and call back when light goes red.

      I’m not happy to do this, drive the car or with the after care experience (a sign of further stresses to come) so want a refund and to return the car asap.

      Please can you advise what I need to do today to get this done. 
       

      Many thanks 
      • 81 replies
    • Housing Association property flooding. https://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/topic/438641-housing-association-property-flooding/&do=findComment&comment=5124299
      • 161 replies
    • We have finally managed to obtain the transcript of this case.

      The judge's reasoning is very useful and will certainly be helpful in any other cases relating to third-party rights where the customer has contracted with the courier company by using a broker.
      This is generally speaking the problem with using PackLink who are domiciled in Spain and very conveniently out of reach of the British justice system.

      Frankly I don't think that is any accident.

      One of the points that the judge made was that the customers contract with the broker specifically refers to the courier – and it is clear that the courier knows that they are acting for a third party. There is no need to name the third party. They just have to be recognisably part of a class of person – such as a sender or a recipient of the parcel.

      Please note that a recent case against UPS failed on exactly the same issue with the judge held that the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 did not apply.

      We will be getting that transcript very soon. We will look at it and we will understand how the judge made such catastrophic mistakes. It was a very poor judgement.
      We will be recommending that people do include this adverse judgement in their bundle so that when they go to county court the judge will see both sides and see the arguments against this adverse judgement.
      Also, we will be to demonstrate to the judge that we are fair-minded and that we don't mind bringing everything to the attention of the judge even if it is against our own interests.
      This is good ethical practice.

      It would be very nice if the parcel delivery companies – including EVRi – practised this kind of thing as well.

       

      OT APPROVED, 365MC637, FAROOQ, EVRi, 12.07.23 (BRENT) - J v4.pdf
        • Like
  • Recommended Topics

Fare evasion/ Railcard fraud(?)


style="text-align: center;">  

Thread Locked

because no one has posted on it for the last 3254 days.

If you need to add something to this thread then

 

Please click the "Report " link

 

at the bottom of one of the posts.

 

If you want to post a new story then

Please

Start your own new thread

That way you will attract more attention to your story and get more visitors and more help 

 

Thanks

Recommended Posts

I purchased a 16-25 return ticket to destination B from A, via an actual person at the window - even they looked at my travel card.

 

It wasn't until my return journey I looked at my rail card, to find it was out of date.. (Haven't used in around a month).

 

 

The date was printed "18 APR 2015" (I've just checked this online) The 18 was very faded with the 2015 being only slightly visible..

. My instant thought was "oh no, I'm going to get in some serious trouble for this",

I stupidly decided to get a pencil from my bag and change the year to 2016 (only visible numerals)

 

Upon ticket inspection, the inspector questioned the year, to which I just put my hands up straight away - of course he took details..

I admitted to this via a statement and made my sign this admission statement, whilst taking my railcard/ticket etc.

 

I know I'm in trouble and I'm not looking for sympathy,

I'm just trying to establish the LIKELY course of action..

. I presume they will write to me asking for my account of events?

 

 

My questions are:

 

1) The best possible situation is out of court settlement - ADVICE FOR THIS PLEASE?

How do go about asking this?

What would make them want to pick this?

Do I await correspondence and then send a letter with apologies

and an offer (should I make an actual offer or let them propose such)?

 

2) The scenario of them looking to prosecute for fraud - what's the likelihood of this?

I understand what I've done is fraudulent, however I haven't replicated/manufactured a ticket or pass in order to evade completely, somewhat mitigating?

IF it did go for this, what would be the probable outcomes?

 

Again, thank you all for your opinions and feedback

- you all seem to have a much more educated understanding of this sort than most, so I look forward to more input..

Link to post
Share on other sites

So I purchased a 16-25 return ticket to destination B from A, via an actual person at the window - even they looked at my travel card.

 

It wasn't until my return journey I looked at my rail card, to find it was out of date.. (Haven't used in around a month). The date was printed "18 APR 2015" (I've just checked this online) The 18 was very faded with the 2015 being only slightly visible... My instant thought was "oh no, I'm going to get in some serious trouble for this", I stupidly decided to get a pencil from my bag and change the year to 2016 (only visible numerals)

 

Upon ticket inspection, the inspector questioned the year, to which I just put my hands up straight away - of course he took details.. I admitted to this via a statement and made my sign this admission statement, whilst taking my railcard/ticket etc.

 

I know I'm in trouble and I'm not looking for sympathy, I'm just trying to establish the LIKELY course of action... I presume they will write to me asking for my account of events? My questions are:

 

1) The best possible situation is out of court settlement - ADVICE FOR THIS PLEASE? How do go about asking this? What would make them want to pick this? Do I await correspondence and then send a letter with apologies and an offer (should I make an actual offer or let them propose such)?

 

2) The scenario of them looking to prosecute for fraud - what's the likelihood of this? I understand what I've done is fraudulent, however I haven't replicated/manufactured a ticket or pass in order to evade completely, somewhat mitigating? IF it did go for this, what would be the probable outcomes?

 

Again, thank you all for your opinions and feedback - you all seem to have a much more educated understanding of this sort than most, so I look forward to more input..

 

Hello and welcome to CAG.

 

To try to start answering your questions.

 

1. An out of court settlement would mean you wouldn't get criminal record, depending on which offence they decide to pursue you for, if they follow this up.

 

No point writing at this stage, you need to await their letter. At that point, you come back here, tell us what the letter says and we'll help you with a response.

 

2. I don't know if this is serious or minor fraud if that's how they classify it. At best you bought a discount ticket that you weren't entitled to have and you would probably have been better to admit to this. I'm not sure what they're likely to do about the changed date.

 

Bear in mind if and when you write that they've heard all the excuses in the book, so you need to be honest and convincing.

 

I don't claim to be a rail expert, but I have followed this forum for a while. Hopefully some of the people with experience will turn up and advise you.

 

My best, HB

Illegitimi non carborundum

 

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

I see you've have a quite a lot of advice on another forum.

 

What are you hoping we might add please?

 

HB

 

Ahh yes I have also.

 

A perspective from a different 'group' of people. I only just discovered these forums and there are a few people here whose help here I would really appreciate - (I would ask them privately if that were an option)

 

No point writing at this stage, you need to await their letter. At that point, you come back here, tell us what the letter says and we'll help you with a response.

 

Also this. This would be something I would really appreciate.

 

I hope that this is okay...

Link to post
Share on other sites

Ahh yes I have also.

 

A perspective from a different 'group' of people. I only just discovered these forums and there are a few people here whose help here I would really appreciate - (I would ask them privately if that were an option)

 

 

 

Also this. This would be something I would really appreciate.

 

I hope that this is okay...

 

Hello again.

 

We don't do private advice here. Everyone here is a volunteer and gives their time freely. If you want private advice, you would need to pay a lawyer.

 

I suggest you wait until you have a letter and then come back to us for tailored advice. It would help to know which train company we're talking about.

 

HB

Illegitimi non carborundum

 

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello again.

 

We don't do private advice here. Everyone here is a volunteer and gives their time freely. If you want private advice, you would need to pay a lawyer.

 

I suggest you wait until you have a letter and then come back to us for tailored advice. It would help to know which train company we're talking about.

 

HB

 

Okay thank you...

 

It is East Midlands Trains, I'm presuming this process could take anything up to 4/5 weeks

Link to post
Share on other sites

The date was printed "18 APR 2015" (I've just checked this online) The 18 was very faded with the 2015 being only slightly visible..

. My instant thought was "oh no, I'm going to get in some serious trouble for this",

I stupidly decided to get a pencil from my bag and change the year to 2016 (only visible numerals)

 

Upon ticket inspection, the inspector questioned the year, to which I just put my hands up straight away - of course he took details..

I admitted to this via a statement and made my sign this admission statement, whilst taking my railcard/ticket etc.

 

I know I'm in trouble and I'm not looking for sympathy,

I'm just trying to establish the LIKELY course of action.

 

 

As HB has said, you will receive a letter from the TOC asking for your version of events. You should reply promptly & truthfully, signing and dating your letter and get it back to them as soon after receipt of theirs as possible.

 

The TOC may be persuaded to allow an out of Court settlement, but that will be very much dependant upon your reply and how you deal with your offending. Be contrite & apologetic, offering to meet all the reasonably incurred costs and unpaid fares that arise from your actions

 

As for likely course of action by the TOC, it is most likely that this will be reported as an attempt to avoid payment of the fare due contrary to Section 5(3) of The Regulation of Railways Act (1889)

 

The TOC will likely issue a Summons for the matter to be heard by a Magistrates Court.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you OC and HB... I shall wait for the letter.

 

 

One person in particular has 'advised' me to send a letter ASAP, with apologies and insinuating my intention to clear their costs, starting off enclosing a cheque for the full fare.

 

What is your opinion on this?

Link to post
Share on other sites

As per posts #6 and #9.

 

HB

 

Would not even sending an initial email to just apologise be of benefit? Or do those points still stand?

 

Dear Prosecutions team,

 

I'm writing to you to follow up an incident that happened on 28/4. An inspector questioned my defaced and expired railcard, to which I instantly admitted guilt to - my details were handed over and I have been advised to await correspondence.

 

I wanted to take this opportunity to express my unreserved apologies to yourselves and the entirety of East Midlands Trains. I have had time to think about my actions - for which I extremely regret. I was extremely foolish, idiotic and naive and my 'spur of the moment' actions cannot be justified at all, because of which I am experiencing a huge amount of stress and sleepless nights. I am extremely sorry for what I have done; evading fares is unacceptable and something I would never dream of committing again.

 

I have never committed such stupidity before - I am a relatively frequent user of your service and petrified by the detrimental effect this may have on the continued use of your service and also my future career. I am a student looking to establish myself on the corporate ladder (I have even applied recently for a EMT position) and a conviction as such will hinder me completely.

 

Again I am extremely sorry. I wanted to express my apologies and also my intent to rectify this anyway I can.

 

I look forward to hearing from you,

Link to post
Share on other sites

Would not even sending an initial email to just apologise be of benefit? Or do those points still stand?

 

I concur with the advice already offered to await "the letter", and then reply.

 

1) You'll know what they are asking for, and potentially what you face,

2) A reply now may not get through to the correct team,

3) Even if a reply now does get through to the correct team, how will they link it "to your file" if you don't supply the reference number that will be on the letter they send you.

 

These (and other) reasons are why the advice usually given is "wait for the letter".

If you are set on sending them a letter or e-mail without waiting for their letter, I can't stop you, and you seem set on doing so (or at least you keep asking about it, when others have already advised against).

It is only advice, and you don't have to take it, but it is advice given with good reasons behind it.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I concur with the advice already offered to await "the letter", and then reply.

 

1) You'll know what they are asking for, and potentially what you face,

2) A reply now may not get through to the correct team,

3) Even if a reply now does get through to the correct team, how will they link it "to your file" if you don't supply the reference number that will be on the letter they send you.

 

These (and other) reasons are why the advice usually given is "wait for the letter".

If you are set on sending them a letter or e-mail without waiting for their letter, I can't stop you, and you seem set on doing so (or at least you keep asking about it, when others have already advised against).

It is only advice, and you don't have to take it, but it advice given with reasons.

 

 

Okay thank you. I will wait before replying.

 

As you can tell I'm just desperate to resolve the issue. It's a burden on my shoulders and I have absolutely no get up throughout the day. It's miserable.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

So the letter has come...

 

So I've been invited to go for an interview. They have highlighted the fact I have travelled under the offence of the following Byelaw.

 

In that you did, in an area not designated as a compulsory ticket area, enter a train for the purpose of travelling without a valid ticket entitling you to do so: BL 18(1)

Link to post
Share on other sites

You can take a solicitor if you wish, it will be an interview under caution.

 

You are under no obligation to say anything. You can go "no comment". You can bring in a prepared statement.

 

BUT, if they have you bang to rights, as seems to be the case:

 

You should attend, make sure you are dressed appropriately. Look and act professional.

You should be completely open and honest, apologetic when necessary. Make sure any mitigation isn't likely to be viewed as "excuses". Providing concise, accurate answers, which are simple to say and understand are beneficial.

 

Don't waffle, don't say too much, don't try and talk your way out of a situation.

 

A good prosecutor does not ask a question that they are not already fairly confident that they know the answer to.

 

I'd also withdraw a few quid from the bank, cash, and have it in your pocket, in the event you reach a "successful conclusion" at the end, and you need to pay their "administrative fees".

Link to post
Share on other sites

You can take a solicitor if you wish, it will be an interview under caution.

 

You are under no obligation to say anything. You can go "no comment". You can bring in a prepared statement.

 

BUT, if they have you bang to rights, as seems to be the case:

 

You should attend, make sure you are dressed appropriately. Look and act professional.

You should be completely open and honest, apologetic when necessary. Make sure any mitigation isn't likely to be viewed as "excuses". Providing concise, accurate answers, which are simple to say and understand are beneficial.

 

Don't waffle, don't say too much, don't try and talk your way out of a situation.

 

A good prosecutor does not ask a question that they are not already fairly confident that they know the answer to.

 

I'd also withdraw a few quid from the bank, cash, and have it in your pocket, in the event you reach a "successful conclusion" at the end, and you need to pay their "administrative fees".

 

Thank you very much for your insights and advice.

 

In a nutshell be honest and show remorse - I presume this a suit + tie interview (excuse my student-ness). How much do you recommend I take with me?

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Hi all,

 

I have my meeting with EMT tomorrow - I am rather anxious (as per my character) and due to the nature of the situation.

 

Last minute reach out for help - is there anything I should bear in mind/prepare for?

 

Thank you all

Link to post
Share on other sites

how'd it go?

 

 

dx

please don't hit Quote...just type we know what we said earlier..

DCA's view debtors as suckers, marks and mugs

NO DCA has ANY legal powers whatsoever on ANY debt no matter what it's Type

and they

are NOT and can NEVER  be BAILIFFS. even if a debt has been to court..

If everyone stopped blindly paying DCA's Tomorrow, their industry would collapse overnight... 

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Recently Browsing   0 Caggers

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Have we helped you ...?


×
×
  • Create New...