Hertfordshire County Council has raised serious concerns on behalf of residents around plans to close ticket offices at most stations in the county.

The county council's response to the Rail Delivery Group's consultation on the plans sets out a number of objections to the proposals.

In its formal response to the consultation, the county council has highlighted concerns raised by residents around:

How tickets only available from ticket offices can be purchased in future

A reduction in the support available for passengers who require assistance

The effect on the perceptions of safety for lone travellers, particularly women travelling alone at night

The short (three week) original consultation period meaning that the Rail Delivery Group would not be able to build an accurate picture of the effect of ticket office closures

The council has asked that, if train companies are determined to push ahead with closures, that no ticket offices be closed until measures to simplify ticket purchasing have been put in place, and that guarantees are given that staff numbers will be maintained to assist passengers.

Cllr Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highway and Transport, said: "The railways play an important role in our communities and economy, and we are clear that any decisions about ticket offices and staffing need to be shaped by our residents and based on a clear understanding of the needs of our communities.

"We are concerned that the proposed closures will make it harder for some people to take the train, and at a time when we're trying to encourage more people to use public transport, this isn't something we can support."

For more information on the proposed ticket office closures visit Customer Focused Stations (raildeliverygroup.com)

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