The UK's railway network is set to see the installation of extra-tall ticket barriers as part of a new initiative to combat fare evasion, which costs the industry an estimated £400 million annually. The Department for Transport (DfT) will invest £33.4 million to implement these measures, which include deploying higher gates at identified 'fare dodger hotspots' and installing standard waist-high gates where they are currently absent.
These enhanced barriers are designed to prevent individuals from jumping over them and are more resistant to being forced open. Additionally, overhead sensors will be incorporated to ensure only one passenger passes through at a time, helping to detect and record instances of tailgating. This data will assist operators in identifying and addressing fare evasion more effectively.
Selected 'hotspot' stations for the new tall barriers include Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Elephant and Castle, Stafford, Stevenage, Worthing, Nuneaton, and Tamworth, among others. Similar tall barriers have already been implemented at High Wycombe station by Chiltern Railways.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy stated that fare evasion negatively impacts confidence in the railway and diverts revenue that could be used to improve services. He emphasized that preventing fare dodgers protects public funds and ensures the railway operates more effectively for fare-paying passengers.
The rollout of the new gates is scheduled to commence in the first half of next year and is expected to be completed by mid-2028. The barriers will feature QR code scanners, paper ticket readers, and contactless payment capabilities where supported.
Other stations included in the upgrade program are Market Harborough, Witham, Rayleigh, Ware, Hertford East, Manningtree, Royston, Gipsy Hill, Worcester Foregate Street, and Worcester Shrub Hill. The changes will affect multiple rail operators, including Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, Thameslink Southern Great Northern, TransPennine Express, and West Midlands Trains.
This measure is part of a broader effort to enhance ticketing systems and fraud prevention. Future improvements include streamlining the Delay Repay compensation process and expanding contactless pay-as-you-go travel technology to East Midlands and South Yorkshire. A new GBR train app is also in development, aimed at simplifying ticket purchases and train schedule checks for passengers.