Access to train platforms from footbridge to be cut

East Midlands Railway said it was aiming to deter fare evasion and improve public safety at the station

Access to train platforms from a footbridge at Nottingham railway station will be closed for 11 hours a day.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) said from 18 August, access to platforms via a footbridge through the station would be restricted between 19:00 and 06:00 using gates.

The bridge over the rail lines provides a public right of way between Queen's Road and Station Street, but also allows access to station platforms without using a ticketing gate.

EMR said it expected restricting access to the platforms via the bridge would reduce fare evasion, improve safety and deter vandalism.

The move follows a three-week trial in November, which EMR said showed ticketless travel by passengers using the footbridge was costing up to £1.1m a year in lost revenue.

EMR added the pilot scheme also showed 63% of violent and anti-social behaviour at the station occurred between 19:00 and 06:00.

The new restricted hours for the bridge will replace the current window, from 23:00 to 05:00.

From 18 August, people will have to go through the ticket gates from the main station concourse to access platforms between 19:00 and 06:00 each day.

The bridge will remain a public right of way between Station Street and Queen's Road during all hours.

EMR said it would also retain the ability to open the gates during major events, times of crowding, or in response to emergencies, and would continue to monitor "station usage patterns and behaviour" closely.

Philippa Cresswell, customer experience director at EMR, said: "By refining access during these hours, we are not only tackling fare evasion and reducing costs for taxpayers, but also creating a more secure and pleasant environment for customers and colleagues alike."