13th April 2008

Dear Editor

I challenge East Midlands Trains to confirm that, in their efforts to deter fare dodgers, they will not prevent free passage across the railway bridge at Midland station. Friends of Sheaf Valley Park have already presented a petition to the Council, and UCU lecturers at Castle College have passed a resolution opposing restricting access. A response from East Midlands Customer Relationsmanager stated "I can confirm that we are considering installing ticket barriers at a number of stations including Sheffield ...These barriers are intended to reduce the amount of fare evasion taking place, ... this is to benefit the travelling public". They remain however very imprecise about the plans.

Preventing access to anyone without a ticket will most certainly not be to everyone's benefit. It is particularly bad news for the many people that regularly use the station bridge because it is the best route to walk to town. Indeed for wheelchair users it would mean a very long diversion. Ironically Green Estates have just installed new steps on the hill through Sheaf Valley Park, leading directly to the station entrance. Not to be able to use this route in the future will be extremely frustrating, and will drive some people back into their cars.

The Supertram stop is located behind thestation. Any system that prevents Supertram users then walking through the station to Hallam University or the Cultural Industries quarter will be vigorously opposed.

Don't East Midlands realise that barriers wont stop fare dodgers? If I was dishonest I would purchase a ticket to Meadowhall or Chesterfield and continue on my journey to wherever I wanted to go. What they should be doing is employing enough ticket collectors and inspectors to adequately check tickets. Faredodgers would then be caught and fined without inconveniencing those of us that want access to the station, to walk to town, use the cash point or simply buy a coffee.

I am very disappointed with the attitudeof East Midlands trains, who should be promoting sustainable transport-and the most sustainable transport of all is walking!

Graham Wroe
Manor Castle Green Party