FARE-DODGERS have had their day at Huddersfield railway station.

Rail bosses have applied to bring in automatic ticket barriers at the station.

That will put an end to people managing to complete train journeys without tickets.

Officials claim the new system should not add to any hold-ups for passengers.

The plan is to install the seven gates inside the newly-revamped main entrance concourse of the station, meaning passengers will have to have tickets before getting on to the platforms, except on services where they buy tickets on trains.

Those getting off trains at Huddersfield will also need tickets to exit the station.

There are currently no fixed barriers at the station but rail companies do use temporary barriers and staff to check tickets.

The plan has been unveiled by FirsttransPennine, who admit it is a way of stopping the fare dodgers.

Steve Johnston, Huddersfield Station Manager, said: “We have submitted a planning application to install automatic ticket barriers at Huddersfield Railway Station. “The design of the potential new barrier gates will be sympathetic to the building design and will protect the listed status of the station.

“It is right and proper that we protect the railway from those that seek to travel without a ticket.

“The vast majority of Huddersfield passengers purchase the correct ticket and the gates will help to ensure that the majority aren’t footing the bill for those wishing to defraud the railway.