TICKET barriers are expected to be brought into use at Huddersfield railway station within weeks.
The barriers have been placed in the main concourse at the busy station ready for installation.
And a local railway expert believes they will be of help to passengers – cutting anti-social behaviour and speeding up access times.
Transport expert Prof Paul Salveson said: “In general they are likely to be a good move.
“Ticket barriers restrict access to the platforms and that means a reduction in anti-social behaviour.
“There have also been complaints at Huddersfield station from passengers who have been held up by staff checking for tickets.
“Many travellers through no fault of their own have been unable to buy tickets on trains from stations such as Marsden and Slaithwaite and end up in long queues alongside those with tickets.
“Those with valid tickets will be able to get through the barriers much quicker.”
But he said station staff will still have to be on duty at the barriers as they will not be able to accept every form of ticket.
Kirklees Council gave the go-ahead to First TransPennine Express for the new barriers earlier this year.
The planning decision was necessary because the historic railway station is a listed building.
Now the new barriers have been delivered and will be installed in the coming days, ready for use in early June.
They will install seven gates inside the newly-revamped main entrance of the station, meaning passengers will have to have tickets before getting on to the platforms.
Those getting off trains at Huddersfield will also need tickets to exit the station.
Wider gates are planned to allow access for customers with additional needs, such as wheelchairs, prams, luggage trolleys and cycles.
There are currently no fixed barriers at the station, but rail companies do use temporary barriers and staff to check tickets.
Many other stations in the area, notably Leeds, have had ticket barriers in use for some time without any major problems.
