I AM writing to inform you about the tram fine unfairly issued to me on Friday, June 27.
I had first intended to walk from Nottingham Trent University to Nottingham train station, however due to heavy rain I quickly boarded the tram with £5 in my hand, ready to purchase the ticket while on the tram.
At the tram stop in Market Square, when approached by a conductor, I asked for a single ticket to the train station.
However, I was told that as I had failed to present a ticket I would be issued with a £50 on-the-spot penalty fine – despite explaining that this was the first time I had travelled on the tram for at least three years, and as an irregular tram traveller I was not aware of the new rule for purchasing ticket.
As I was being escorted out, I felt humiliated, embarrassed and shocked that they treated me unfairly, especially when I had a £5 note in my hand ready to pay for my journey.
I made an appeal clearly explaining why I didn't present the ticket to the conductor, but this week I received a letter stating it was unsuccessful and I will have to pay a £50 fine within 14 days to avoid prosecution – which could mean paying up to £1,000 and getting a criminal record.
This is very stressful and I think it is daylight robbery.
Since then I have made an second appeal giving more reasons for why I should not be liable to pay the fine, but I am waiting for their response.
TAHMOOR MAQSOOD
Sneinton Dale
Sneinton
