Thanks - that's useful to know. As to the issue of my mistaken belief that Gatwick accepted Oystercard I just found the Oystercard Train Map on the TFL website and the page on where you can use Oystercard PAYG. The Map states "Oyster pay as you go is valid at all stations and on all services shown on this map, except on Southeastern High Speed, Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Airport. " There is no mention of excluding Gatwick HOWEVER Gatwick is included on the map under the term "Towards Gatwick Airport". In the write-up on where you can use Oystercard PAYG it states: Again no mention of Gatwick, which appears to be in zone 7 from the map. I don't want to cry over spilt milk, but I just believe it was a reasonable mistake which should give rise to discretion being exercised.

Hi, I would appreciate advice on the following: Yesterday I journeyed from East Croydon train station to Gatwick Airport. The train fare for such a journey is £5.00. I erroneously believed that you could travel to Gatwick using your Oystercard as you can Heathrow. So rather than buying a ticket, I clicked in with my PAYG Oystercard at East Croydon. On arrival at Gatwick ( one stop on the train from East Croydon) I found that I couldn't Oyster out, and was fined £20 for not having a valid ticket. I wasn't trying to evade the fare - it was a genuine mistake. As a result of my error I will have paid a £20 fine AND £11.60 for one day travel card because I didn't Oyster out at Gatwick. I believe that I can get the £11.60 refunded, but I will still have paid £20 for a £5 journey. My question is, can anyone give guidance as to likelihood of a successful appeal - I have read up on S.17 but I was wondering if (3)(ii) might apply as I was able to start my journey at ECR with my Oystercard?