I often travel from Shoreham to Brighton on the train and am amazed by the number of people who travel without a ticket.

Last week, a young man hopped on the train at Fishersgate and went straight into the toilet. The two guards who were busy selling tickets saw him do this.

When the train stopped at Portslade, this man popped out, walked cheekily past the guards and made his exit.

He certainly didn’t go unnoticed because the guards shouted after him: “We know you haven’t got a ticket” and “We’ll get you next time.”

This caused some mirth among the other passengers as they, too, watched the cocky youth walking along the platform.

The guards could easily have chased and caught him but perhaps the thought he might turn round and throw a punch prevented them.

I have seen gangs of teenagers and homeless types regularly thrown off the trains for not having tickets.

I’ve heard people being threatened with the penalty fare of £20 many times. The worst offenders seem to be young women accompanied by children and a dog – apparently a ticket should be bought for the dog.

Their excuses range from the ticket office being closed to not having the right change for the machine.

Jill Cowles
Windlesham Road, Shoreham