To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they pay for the installation of gates at railway ticket barriers, either directly or by making allowance in franchise agreements with train operating companies.

The Government do not generally specify ticket barrier installation in franchise contracts. However, in circumstances where revenue support is provided as part of a franchise agreement and the franchisee's bid includes for the installation of ticket barriers, we may require that there is a commitment to install them by a certain date. This approach has been taken in some franchises as a means to reduce the risk of government exposure to revenue support payments.