Perth railway station is to have ticket gates installed as part of a £1.5 million investment aimed at reducing ticketless travel and anti-social behaviour.
Work to install the gates is now under way, with eight new posts being created as part of the change, including a supervisor role.
The gates, which will cover all platforms, are scheduled to be operational at Perth station by the end of July.
They are being introduced under a franchise commitment to reduce ticketless travel and improve station security.
Automatic ticket gates have already been installed at a number of ScotRail stations, including Aberdeen, Dundee and Stirling, as well as at both Glasgow Queen Street and Central stations, and Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket.
Pat Callaghan, ScotRail’s director of facilities and building services, said: “Revenue protection and reducing ticketless travel have always been priorities for us because it is honest, fare-paying passengers who bear the burden of lost investment in Scotland’s railway.
“Ticket gates, which are part of our franchise agreement, are also proven to discourage anti-social behaviour and improve station security.”
The majority of works will take place overnight, causing minimal impact on customers travelling through the station during the day.
After the gates are installed, ScotRail is encouraging customers to buy their tickets in advance of travel to allow quick and easy access to and from the station.
The £1.5m investment is being made by Network Rail to install ticket gates at both Perth and Inverness stations.
There will be wide aisle gates for customers in wheelchairs or with luggage, prams or bicycles and extra staff will be at the station to assist customers.