Cycle campaigners who met with LNER to discuss why this gate has to be locked at night were told it was at the request of police.
The barrier prevents access from the station to Scarborough Bridge.
Campaigners said they were pleased with the response from the train operator to their concerns.
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But they were told British Transport Police remain to be convinced that having the route open 24/7 is a good idea. They are worried that there will be a spike in bike thefts at the station if the route is available after 11pm.
That’s despite the fact that they said the peak hour for people stealing bikes is actually 3pm.
More talks are planned about a trial where the gate would be left open for longer. But YorkMix understands convincing the railway that it should be open all the time is not going to be easy.
Numerous complaints
Kate Ravilious and Robyn Jankel, co-chairs of York Cycle Campaign, met with the York Station manager Steve Wilson, the head of station security and a representative from British Transport Police.
It follows calls for 24/7 access after numerous people complained about having the car-free safer route, through the station, cut off at night.
Normally the Lowther Terrace entrance to the long stay car park is closed at night too. But the electric gate there has been broken for months. When it is repaired it too will shut at 11pm.
York Cycle Campaign was told the reason for shutting the gates is so Transport Police don’t have to keep an eye on numerous exits.
There are concerns that it would lead to more crime – even though the station is wide open and you can get right up to gates on both sides.
It’s also been a point where drugs brought in on the train are handed over, according to police.
LNER point out there is no public right of way – but the train company is now in public ownership.
Deputy leader of City of York Council Andy D’Agorne said: “We need to encourage people back onto trains which is not helped by this measure.
“Scarborough Bridge provides an attractive walking and cycling route directly from the station to Bootham and Clifton area.”
‘At least we’re talking’
An LNER Azuma train in York Station in March 2021. Photographs: Richard McDougall
Kate Ravilious of the York Cycle Campaign told YorkMix: “We have made progress on talking about a trial period to have the gate open for at least another hour to cover people coming back later from Leeds, Manchester and London.
“It would also help some shift workers from the hospital too
“We would like to see evidence that bad things would happen if the gate was left open.
“I would like to know if the broken gate at the other end of the station has caused any issues as it’s been like this for weeks I’m told.”
She added: “At least we’re talking and LNER seem keen to find a soution and because we are a cycle city it’s would be a shame to have a barrier like in the way of people on both bikes and foot forever”
YorkMix asked both LNER and British Transport Police for an interview to discuss the issues in this article. Both declined. LNER appears to want to wait until it has come up with a solution. British Transport Police sent us this written statement:
‘British Transport Police supported LNER’s decision to close the Scarborough Bridge gate at night to improve security at York station.
‘This measure, introduced by LNER, has been effective in reducing cycle theft, protecting rail staff and preventing offenders looking to commit crime from accessing the station via this entrance at night.’