Railway station barrier trials begin

THE first trial run of new ticket barriers at Nottingham railway station began today.

Early morning commuters were arriving at the station and being asked to put their valid tickets through the machines to get access on and off the platforms.

Station staff were also on hand, monitoring the gates and helping any passengers who had problems getting through.

They are due to come into full use later this month.

East Midlands Trains estimates one in ten people travels on its services without a valid rail ticket.

The rail operator is making the investment as part of its franchise agreement, which started in November 2007.

Jarrod Clancy, 34, travelled into Nottingham station from Newark this morning.

After coming through the barriers, he said: "It went okay. I have a 30-day season ticket and I wondered whether that would be okay, and it was.

"I don't see how the barriers benefit me as I pay for my tickets. it is just another thing put in my way."