London's transport barriers could be made taller to combat a surge in fare evasion that cost Transport for London millions last year, under proposals from City Hall Conservatives.
The group wants higher barriers installed across the Underground and Overground networks after fare evasion jumped 28% between 2022 and 2023. Current barriers are routinely bypassed by passengers "tailgating" behind paying customers or simply vaulting over the gates.
TfL's heavy reliance on fare revenue to fund operations and infrastructure projects makes the losses particularly damaging. The Conservatives argue that investing in taller, more robust barriers could quickly pay for itself by recovering millions in lost revenue.
The proposal outlines a phased rollout, starting with trials at stations with the highest evasion rates before expanding network-wide. Supporters claim the enhanced barriers would also improve station security by creating clearer boundaries between paid and unpaid areas, potentially deterring antisocial behaviour.
TfL has not formally responded to the barrier proposal but maintains it tackles fare evasion through increased inspections and targeted enforcement. Any major infrastructure changes would require extensive planning, funding and assessment of impacts on passenger flow and accessibility.
For London commuters, the changes could deliver a more secure travel environment and help maintain TfL's financial stability, potentially avoiding service cuts. However, concerns may arise over the visual impact of taller barriers in historic stations and potential accessibility issues for some passengers.