Improvements to passenger flow and security at London Waterloo station are signalled with the installation of new automatic ticket barriers.

The £20m investment, which is scheduled for completion by the end of December, will see the introduction of 170 ticket gates at the entrance to all main line platforms and in the station subway connection with the Underground.

New barriers will play a major part in helping to combat fare evasion and will improve the overall station environment.

To minimise disruption to passengers, the project will take place in phases, with work starting between Platform 8 and Platform 13 and two further phases to follow. Access to platforms will be maintained while work goes on.

To make way for the gating line, retail units between the platforms and the station concourse will close, with new facilities planned to open once work is complete.

David Pape, Network Rail Route Director, said: "Waterloo is one of Britain's busiest stations and our work to install ticket barriers has been planned to limit disruption to passengers. We look forward to carrying out this upgrade and will be working closely with South West Trains to deliver the benefits that the new gates will bring."

Ian Johnston, South West Trains' Customer Service Director, said: "This is an exciting project and once completed we look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to passengers going through Waterloo. I believe these gates will make it quicker and easier to exit the platforms.”