Ticket collectors are being bought back to Birmingham's New Street Station in an effort to reduce fare dodging.

The barrier checks are being reintroduced after a rise in the number of people travelling without tickets.

Train operators said they hoped the move would be supported by passengers.

Automatic ticket barriers like those at London Underground stations may ultimately be introduced to tackle passengers who do not pay, managers said.

Successful trial

Ticket barriers were removed from New Street eight years ago.

But despite the threat of on the spot fines the number of fare dodgers has continued to rise.

Last year, a month long ticket check netted �200,000 in fines and unpaid fares.

The trial prompted train operators to bring back the ticket barriers permanently.

"I think the vast majority of people want to have their ticket checked and want people to pay," said Richard Brookes, of Central Trains.

"Therefore I'm hopeful the vast majority of people will be support what we're doing."

He said the company was taking on more staff to check tickets.