TfL investigation letter: what it means and what to do next
If you’ve received a letter from TfL Investigations or Prosecutions, it does not automatically mean you are going to court. But it does mean TfL is considering whether to prosecute — and your reply can become evidence.
Some people informally call this a “verification letter”. In practice it is an investigation letter from TfL’s Prosecutions & Investigations team asking for your written account of events.
How serious is this?
This letter is not a court summons or an SJPN. It is the stage before TfL decides whether to prosecute. Many people contact us at this stage because it’s often where the most options still exist.
What TfL is doing (in plain English)
TfL is not asking for a casual explanation. They are gathering information and deciding whether to start a prosecution. The letter often asks for:
- confirmation of your identity and contact details
- your version of events / an explanation
- any mitigation (if you accept an offence)
Where you are in the process
1) Inspector report
Incident recorded.
2) Investigation letter
You are here.
3) Possible settlement
Sometimes considered.
4) SJPN / summons
Court paperwork.
If your document mentions “Single Justice Procedure Notice”, you’re at the court stage.
Why TfL sent the letter
TfL is usually seeking your written account of events. The purpose is to decide whether to proceed with prosecution and, in some situations, whether any resolution is possible.
Common mistakes people make
Many people try to be helpful and accidentally make things worse. Typical problems include:
- guessing details (dates, stations, journeys) you’re not sure about
- over-explaining and creating inconsistencies
- apologising in a way that suggests intent (even if it was a mistake)
- sending mitigation that unintentionally admits the legal elements of an offence
- ignoring deadlines until court paperwork arrives
Why wording matters
TfL cases can involve offences where TfL may not need to prove dishonesty in the way people expect. That’s one reason written replies should be handled carefully — even where the situation was a genuine mistake.
Can it be settled out of court?
In some cases, TfL may consider an out-of-court settlement. It is never guaranteed and depends on the circumstances and how the matter is handled. Timing is important.
If avoiding court is your priority, read this next: TfL out-of-court settlement.
Deadlines: don’t ignore them
TfL letters often request a response within a short period (commonly around 14 days — sometimes shorter depending on the letter). If you ignore the letter, TfL may proceed to the next stage, which can include a Single Justice Procedure Notice or summons.
If you searched because of the 14-day line, this page helps: “Respond within 14 days” — what it means.
Unsure what stage your TfL case is at?
Upload the letter you received and a short summary of what happened. We'll review it and explain the stage of the investigation and the realistic next steps.
Most people contact us after receiving a TfL investigation letter or interview request.
Not legal advice. No outcome is guaranteed. Not affiliated with Transport for London.