Train firm criticised for 'fake tickets'

The company says it was being "tongue-in-cheek"

Train company Midland Mainline has been condemned for a mass mail-out of fake parking tickets.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ordered the company not to do it again.

During the campaign, people across the East Midlands received letters purporting to contain a "parking offence" from the City of London.

It contained a fake ticket - complete with serial number, date and place of offence - and a warning that a £30 penalty had been imposed.

Recipients might not be able to judge whether the mailing was a genuine parking ticket or not

Advertising Standards Authority

The letter then offered two alternatives: "Explode with rage and frustration at how difficult it is to park in London or realise the futility of driving in the first place, and next time go by train with Midland Mainline."

The idea of the campaign was to highlight difficulties of driving to the capital, as opposed to catching the train.

'Attract attention'

However the promotion angered many people who received it in the post and thought they were real parking fines.

The ASA received 71 complaints from people saying it was "misleading" and could cause distress.

Derby-based Midland Mainline said the fake parking ticket was used to "attract attention" and was "tongue-in-cheek", but it also apologised for causing any confusion.

The ASA upheld the complaints, saying recipients "might not be able to judge whether the mailing was a genuine parking ticket or not."