Administration Fee

[Aymz]

Hi

please feel free to move to a more appropriate forum if needed. I don't appear to see a search button (viewing on mobile) otherwise I would have searched!

im just wondering whether there is anything to decide what a reasonable administration fee is? As background, I was on the train and the ticket machine wouldn't accept my card. I had the funds to pay and even logged into online banking to show the conductor this. He gave me a ticket, giving me 21 days to pay. I put this in my bag and completely forgot about it until they sent the reminder through the day after the 21 days expired.

Genuinely forgot got to pay the £7.20 fare and I'm not disputing it needs paying. I don't see though how a £50 administration charge can be proportionate and reasonable given its an automatic letter being sent? I know banks were rapped on the knuckles years ago for over the top fees but I wonder if anything similar applied to other companies?

The ticket he gave me said an admin charge will be given but does not state the amount. If I need to pay one that's fine but it's the amount I don't think is reasonable.

If if anyone can help it would be most appreciated.

Thanks

[jaguarsuk]

Re: Administration Fee

Sounds like you were issued with an Unpaid Fares Notice, which asks you to sign and agree to pay along with the T&C's. In signing you agreed to a fee being applied and the fact no figure was stated means you agreed to what figure they decide.

You can try writing to them to challenge the fee, but I'd imagine they'll just ignore you then go on to prosecute if you fail to pay. By simply entering the train without a ticket where you have had opportunity to buy one you have committed an offence under Railway Byelaw 18(1). And the prosecution is criminal not civil.

I'd pay, then chalk it up to experience.