Pedestrian access across a footbridge at Guildford railway station is being withdrawn for a three-month trial period due to fare evasion and attacks on rail staff.
South Western Railway has reported incidents of fare evaders becoming verbally and physically abusive towards station staff when challenged. The closure aims to address this behavior and fare evasion, which has cost hundreds of thousands of pounds each year.
While the closure may inconvenience pedestrians, it is intended to protect station staff. Any plans to extend the closure permanently would require a new planning application and approval by Guildford Borough Council.