Nottingham train station bridge reopens as fare-dodger clampdown trial ends

The side entrance to Nottingham railway station has reopened following a three-week trial, but future plans are still being considered. All access was stopped at the station by East Midlands Railway (EMR) on Monday, October 28, as the operator announced its measure to clamp down on fare dodgers.

The closure of the Station Street entrance, which leads to the footbridge used by passengers to access platforms, was part of a pilot scheme which concluded on Sunday, November 18. The decision was slammed widely, including by Nottingham City Council leader Cllr Neghat Khan, Nottingham MPs Nadia Whittome and Lilian Greenwood and Nottinghamshire Live Editor Natalie Fahy.

Passengers and nearby businesses have also opposed the closure, which meant travellers had to use the station's main entrance on Carrington Street. Cllr Khan previously called the measure "unacceptable".

She said: "This seems like a really extreme thing to do. I don’t think you take this kind of dramatic action without thinking of the consequences. I have been inundated with emails from taxi drivers, residents and local businesses because it is having a massive impact for them."

An EMR spokesperson said: "The pilot at Nottingham Station, which involved changes to access for platforms 1-6 from the centre footbridge, concluded yesterday, Sunday 17 November.

"The pilot was aimed at reducing fare evasion caused by individuals using the footbridge to bypass ticket checks and avoid payment. Additionally, it aimed to enhance safety for our customers and staff. In the coming weeks, we will review the data, information, and feedback gathered during the pilot. This will help us shape our future plans for the station.

"Our goal is to ensure that Nottingham Station remains a safe, accessible, and pleasant environment for all users, and to reduce costs for taxpayers and fare-paying customers."