icLanarkshire - ScotRail hails alcohol ban response
icLanarkshire logo
icLanarkshire AC Advertiser EK News Hamilton Ad Reformer Wishaw Press
Search icLanarkshire for:


ScotRail hails alcohol ban response

16:25, Jan 8 2013

 

There were no arrests over the festive period linked to the alcohol ban on trains.

It was the first Christmas and New Year since ScotRail decided to prohibit the consumption of alcohol on its trains between 9pm and 10am.

The operator and British Transport Police (BTP) thanked the public for their response to appeals to stay safe on the rail network.

However, three men were verbally warned by officers at 8.45am on December 29 over drinking on an Alloa to Glasgow Queen Street service and had alcohol taken from them.

Steve Montgomery, ScotRail's managing director, said: "I thank customers for their support over the festive season. It sends out a clear message that they also consider anti-social behaviour on trains and at stations is unacceptable.

"We will continue our focus on education aimed at preventing a small minority having a disproportionate negative impact on the majority of passengers."

The ban is enforced through a national railway bylaw allowing train operators to stop intoxicated people travelling, prevent the carrying of alcohol and publicly declare that certain services are so-called "dry trains" where the consumption and carrying of alcohol is banned.

Chief Superintendent Ellie Bird, BTP's area commander for Scotland, said: "Our dedicated operations over the festive period, including increased high-visibility patrols at stations and on trains, were well received by both the travelling public and rail staff.

"This approach contributed to the minimal number of bylaw offences and, without being complacent, the public heeded messages about alcohol consumption and acting responsibly."

Transport minister Keith Brown praised rail staff and BTP officers while also thanking the public. Six men have been reported to the procurator fiscal since the ban came into force in July last year.

 

Top Top | Back Back |

E-mail to a friend | Printable version

 

 


Copyright and Trade Mark Notice
© 2013 owned by or licensed to Scottish & Universal Newspapers Limited.
icLanarkshire™ is a trade mark of Scottish & Universal Newspapers Limited.
Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement before using this site.
 

Jobs in Scotland: