Rail footbridge closure trial to last three weeks

The footbridge, which connects Station Street to Queen's Road, has had access to platforms one to six closed

A pilot scheme that has seen the closure of a public footbridge at Nottingham railway station will run for just under three weeks.

The footbridge, connecting Station Street to Queen's Road, had access to platforms one to six shut on Monday.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) said access was closed off in a move to reduce fare evasion, adding a "minority of determined people" had been using the bridge to travel for free.

It has now confirmed the trial will end on 17 November, after which a review will be conducted to "evaluate its effectiveness".

'Forced to take action'

The footbridge connecting the streets remains a public right of way, and people will still be able to access the tram stop on Station Street.

EMR previously said recent revenue operations at the station had shown a high level of ticketless travel taking place.

Philippa Cresswell, EMR's customer service director, said: "We have a duty to protect revenue - which is ultimately taxpayers' money and fare-paying customer's money - and have been forced to take this action."

A spokesperson for EMR added: "The Nottingham overbridge pilot will run until November 17th, after which we will conduct a review to evaluate its effectiveness."