UK Government Invests £33.4 Million to Combat Fare Evasion

The Government of the United Kingdom is investing £33.4 million to install upgraded ticket barriers at railway stations across England. The initiative targets fare evasion hotspots across six train operators, including Avanti West Coast, Greater Anglia, and Thameslink Southern Great Northern. The new hardware includes waist-high barriers and taller paddle doors specifically designed to prevent passengers from jumping over gates.

Lord Peter Hendy, the Rail Minister, stated that the measures are intended to protect taxpayer funds and ensure the railway works better for paying passengers. The project is part of broader rail reforms leading toward the creation of Great British Railways. Specific installations are planned for Worcester Foregate Street and Worcester Shrub Hill stations, as well as several sites managed by Greater Thameslink Railway, such as Elephant & Castle and Stevenage.

The rollout follows estimates from the Rail Delivery Group and the Department for Transport that fare evasion puts between £350 million and £400 million in annual rail revenue at risk. Installations are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027 and are expected to be completed by mid-2028.