Councillor welcomes U-turn on plans to axe ticket offices

At the beginning of September, the council had said it “strongly” opposed plans backed by the Government that would have resulted in the loss of virtually all the borough’s railway ticket offices.

But in an unexpected U-turn yesterday Transport Secretary Mark Harper announced the plans were being shelved.  

If the plans had progressed it would have led to the closure of ticket offices at Clapham Junction, Wandsworth Town, Balham, Battersea Park, Wandsworth Common, Earlsfield and Putney.

Jenny Yates said: “I’m relieved that ministers and the rail companies have listened to the concerns we and so many others expressed. 

“These ill-thought out plans had caused enormous anxiety amongst the travelling public who value the presence of staff at railway stations. They would have introduced barriers to travel for many people, especially older residents and those with disabilities who may find it harder to use ticket machines or need additional help and advice purchasing their tickets.

“We are strongly opposed to any plans that introduce new barriers to those wishing to access public transport.”