Appeal a rail Penalty Fare
Penalty Fares are typically £100 plus the single fare. You have 21 days to appeal — and three independent stages.
Common grounds
- Ticket machine was broken or didn't take cards
- No barriers and no ticket office at your origin station
- You boarded at a station with permission to pay on board
- Reasonable belief your railcard or ticket was valid
- Compelling personal circumstances (medical, distress)
The three stages
- Operator's appeals service (Penalty Services Ltd, IRCAS, etc.)
- Independent appeal panel
- Final review
Generate your appeal letter
Free to find out if you've got grounds. Letter ready in five minutes.
Start your appeal →Frequently asked
What happens if I don't pay or appeal?
It can be referred to a court as fare evasion — a criminal matter with much higher fines.
Does it go on my record?
A Penalty Fare itself does not. A criminal prosecution does — appeal properly.