The public consultation period for proposed ticket office closures across the country has been extended until September, the Rail Delivery Group has confirmed.

Train operators unveiled proposals earlier this month for mass closures of station ticket offices after Transport Secretary Mark Harper urged them to cut costs.

A three-week consultation on the plans was announced on July 5 by the Rail Delivery Group, which said staff would move out of ticket offices, adopting new “customer help” roles already in place on many parts of the rail network.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Train companies have listened to feedback and are extending the time available to respond to the consultation on changes to how tickets are sold at stations to September 1.

“Operators are keen to give more people a chance to give their views on the proposals, so they can bring the railway up to date with dramatic shifts in customer buying habits while supporting all its customers as the railway evolves and adapts.

“While local plans vary, the aim of the proposals is to bring staff out from behind ticket office windows to offer more help for customers buying tickets and navigating stations.

“At the same time, ticket vending machines are being upgraded to offer a wider range of fares and we have committed that no customer will have to go out of their way to buy a ticket.”

The RDG has said the proposals would mean more face-to-face support was available across the network to choose the cheapest tickets and advise on journey planning, as well as support those with accessibility needs.

The plans have drawn fierce criticism from groups representing passengers and the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT).

In Herfordshire, petitions had been launched to stop the closures which would affect stations across the county. 

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “While this is a matter for the industry, it is right that train operators have listened to feedback and extended their consultations, following continued engagement with stakeholders, including accessibility groups.

“Following the consultations, independent passenger bodies will continue to play a vital role in assessing and shaping proposals.”

How would Hertfordshire stations be affected by the proposed changes?

Stevenage, St Albans City and Welwyn Garden - along side Watford Junction - are Hertfordshire stations which will have a “customer information centre”, where staff will be on hand throughout the week.

However, plans would see ticket offices closed, with staff on platforms at Radlett, Harpenden, Potters Bar, Brookmans Park, Welham Green, Hatfield, Welwyn North, Knebworth, Cuffley, Hertford North, Watton-at-Stone, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Ashwell & Morden and Royston - among others across the county.