Ticket barriers bound for Newcastle Central station

May 16 2009 by Amy Hunt, The Journal

TICKET barriers to stop fare dodgers are to go up at Newcastles historic Central Station.

National Express East Coast will put 26 automatic ticket gates, along with CCTV cameras to keep an eye on them at the station.

The aim is to crack down on fare dodging. National Express also says the scheme will make better use of the space in the station, by moving ticket machines, phones and information points.

Objectors to the plans had argued the gates would look ugly in the context of the Grade I-listed station and that passengers should not be restricted because of the train companys pursuit of profits.

But after considering a report from officers, members of the city councils development control committee decided to grant listed building consent for the barriers.

David Roberts, head of property for National Express East Coast, said: We have worked hard with stakeholders, including Newcastle City Council and English Heritage to ensure that our proposed gating scheme at Newcastle Central Station will preserve and protect the heritage and character of this fantastic building.

Were delighted that both organisations have supported our plans and that our application for listed building consent has been approved. Gating will prevent fraudulent travel and protect revenue. This can be invested back into enhanced facilities and will help us build a better railway. It will also improve the environment of Newcastle Central Station and the safety and security of customers and staff.

As part of the plans all passengers will need to buy a ticket before going through the automatic barriers onto the platform. The system should be in place by November this year.

People who do not intend to travel on a train will still be able to access the platform by picking up a pass from a station official.

The barriers will be put up in three different areas of the station between the footbridge and the ticket shop, on the other side of the footbridge, and between the ticket shop and the car park.

It will not be the first time the Central Station has had ticket barriers, as there is evidence that gates and barriers were used from the 19th century until the 1970s.

The Central Station was designed by John Dobson for the York, Newcastle and Berwick Railway Company in the 1840s.

National Express took over the franchise for the East Coast Main Line in 2007. Installation of the ticket gates was part of the condition on the franchise granted by the Government.

National Express bosses say they are investing millions of pounds installing gates at main line stations at Durham, Darlington, York, Newark and Grantham, as well as Newcastle.