"Paul Corfield" wrote in message
...

When entering the system outside of your zonal validity then the gate or
validator will make the appropriate deduction of an entry charge as if
the journey was being done on PAYG entirely. Therefore there is no need
for an OEP to be present (as I understand matters).

That's how I read it from the various 'official' info sources.

And if OEPs definitely are only a 'directional' requirement, (ie in zones to
out) it does suggest that some of the perceived problems discussed here,
such as a lack of ability to load an OEP 'out in the sticks' at TOC
stations, are not going to be as widespread as some posters seem to
assume...

Someone with a zonal season who fails to touch in at an origin outside his
zones will just be travelling without a ticket exactly as now and will be
taking the same risk of a PF as he does now...

Paul S