Nottingham station's centre footbridge: Hours of platform access to be amended to combat fare evasion and improve safety
- From Monday 18 August, access to platforms via the footbridge will be restricted between 7pm and 6am each day
- Changes will reduce fare evasion, improve safety, and deter vandalism
- EMR has improved station signage, wayfinding, and guidance for access to nearby taxis and services
- Footbridge's right of way to be maintained
East Midlands Railway (EMR) is extending restrictions to platforms from the centre footbridge at Nottingham station in a further effort to reduce fare evasion, improve safety, and deter vandalism.
From Monday 18 August, access to platforms via the footbridge will be restricted between 7pm and 6am each day, replacing the current 11pm to 5am window.
During these hours, all rail users must access platforms through the main station concourse and ticket gates.
Despite these changes, the footbridge will continue to serve as a public right of way 24/7, maintaining access between Station Street and Queen’s Road, including connections to the tram network.
EMR will also retain the ability to open the gates during major events, times of crowding, or in response to emergencies, ensuring operational flexibility.
This move builds on the findings of a previous pilot scheme aimed at tackling fare evasion, where individuals had used the footbridge to bypass ticket checks.
The pilot demonstrated that routing passengers through the ticket gates helped to protect railway revenue - ultimately reducing the financial burden on taxpayers - while also delivering clear improvements in safety, station security, and the overall customer experience.
The pilot revealed that Nottingham station, the busiest in the East Midlands, could face a potential revenue loss of around £1.1 million annually due to fare evasion. In parallel, the station saw measurable enhancements in customer satisfaction and the overall environment during the restricted hours.
The decision to extend the restrictions is based on detailed data analysis and insights from the pilot. One significant finding showed that 62% of violent and antisocial behaviour at Nottingham station occurs between 7pm and 6am, making this period a key area of focus for improving safety.
EMR remains committed to a proportionate, evidence-led approach and will continue to monitor usage patterns and behaviour closely. The changes are designed to support a safer and more secure environment for customers and colleagues alike.
In response to earlier feedback from customers, local businesses, and community stakeholders, EMR has introduced improvements such as clearer signage, enhanced wayfinding, and updated guidance for those accessing nearby taxi ranks and services.
The company continues to work closely with local partners to ensure any impacts from the changes are well managed and mitigation measures remain effective.
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: "Our primary responsibility is to ensure Nottingham station remains a safe, accessible, and welcoming place for all passengers.
"By refining access during these hours, we are not only tackling fare evasion and reducing costs for taxpayers but also creating a more secure and pleasant environment for customers and colleagues alike.”