ScotRail alcohol conviction numbers fall

Three people were reported to the procurator fiscal last year for drinking, carrying alcohol or being intoxicated in trains and stations compared to six in the first five months of the ban in 2012.

BTP said there had been a total of four incidents in 2013 and nine last year.

The ban, which was the first of its type in the UK when it was introduced in July 2012, is in force between 9pm and 10am nightly.

ScotRail customer services director Jacqueline Taggart said: “This is welcome news, and demonstrates the vast majority of rail passengers respect – and welcome – the ban.

“2014 is an important year for Scotland and, as a major transport operator, we take our contribution very seriously.”

BTP Superintendent (Operations) John McBride: “The message that anti-social behaviour at stations and on trains is unacceptable is clearly being heeded by those who use the rail network.”

John Mason, convener of the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party rail group, and Glasgow Shettleston SNP MSP, said: “ScotRail is to be congratulated on its policy, which is improving the overall passenger experience.

“Of course there are still problems, but we are going in the right direction.”