South West Trains (SWT) is to allow Oyster top-ups at train stations across Richmond after bowing to Government pressure on the issue.

The rail operator, which had always refused to offer top-up facilities, last week announced it would adapt its ticket machines to allow the travel card top-ups at its stations.

Commuters this week welcomed the move.

One, Ross Vowells, 24, of Queen’s Road, Twickenham, said: “It’s about time - it does seem fairly archaic that they don’t already have proper oyster facilities.”

Councillor Clare Head, Richmond’s cabinet member for transport, added her support for the news.

She said: “There are 14 SWT stations in Richmond and they are a well used network for local people.

“Visiting friends and family, and shopping locally will now be easier for people and I’m pleased SWT has finally agreed to install the top up equipment.”

Until last week SWT, which operates the commuter route from Waterloo to Reading, was the only London rail operator that had refused to install Oyster ticket machines.

This meant passengers boarding at stations, including Richmond, Twickenham and Whitton, had to top-up their travel cards before they went to the station.

Under the new plan SWT customers will be able to top-up their Oyster cards at its 44 rail stations across south London, including Richmond, Twickenham and Whitton as well as St Margarets, Mortlake, North Sheen, Fulwell, Hampton, Teddington, Hampton Wick and Barnes.

The changes, which will come into force from May next year, will make travelling to and from the centre of London much easier in future with all SWT stations across the borough benefiting from the train company’s u-turn.

SWT managing director Andy Pitt said: “We have been committed to finding a solution to make it possible for passengers to also top up their Oyster cards at our stations.”

Jo deBank, from passenger group London TravelWatch, added: “We are delighted that – finally – passengers across south-west London will be able to benefit from Oyster, and be able to top up their cards at their local station.

“It has been a very long time coming. Being unable to buy Oyster products from London stations was a ridiculous situation, and this solution has come not a moment too soon.”