New ticket barriers planned at Nuneaton station

Nuneaton railway station is set to receive new ticket barriers as part of a £33 million Government programme aimed at tackling fare evasion and creating a fairer rail network.

New ticket gates will be installed at Nuneaton station as part of a nationwide scheme designed to stop deliberate ticketless travel and protect money that could be reinvested into improving passenger services.

The Department for Transport says fare evasion costs the railway up to £400 million a year, with lost revenue affecting investment in areas such as maintaining the network, upgrading trains and improving facilities for passengers.

The new barriers will include a range of designs, including taller gates aimed at preventing people from jumping barriers, as well as standard ticket gates. They will allow passengers to use digital tickets, paper tickets and contactless travel where available.

The changes are part of wider rail reforms ahead of the creation of Great British Railways, which the Government says will simplify ticketing and improve the passenger experience.

Work to install the new barriers is expected to begin as part of the first phase of the programme in 2027, with the rollout completed by mid-2028.

Nuneaton is one of several stations across England receiving funding for new ticket gates. Other stations included in the programme are Market Harborough, Stafford, Liverpool Lime Street, Tamworth, Worcester Foregate Street and Worcester Shrub Hill, along with stations operated by other rail companies.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: 

“Fare evasion is not a victimless crime - it undermines confidence in the railway and means passengers lose out on millions in revenue which should be invested to improve services for everyone. 

“By stopping fare dodgers before they reach the platform, we’re protecting taxpayer cash, supporting investment in the network and ensuring the railway works better for the millions of passengers who do the right thing every day by paying their way.

“As we deliver significant reform across our railways in the lead up to Great British Railways, we are creating a truly joined up railway which is more accountable and better equipped to deliver the reliable, modern railway passengers deserve, to create jobs, growth and homes.”

The Government says the new barriers form part of a wider effort to create a more reliable and modern railway, including expanded contactless Pay As You Go options and digital ticketing improvements.