ScotRail lays Covid-19 distance markers at Scotland's biggest train stations in time for lockdown restrictions being eased

ScotRail has started laying floor markers in the country's largest train stations for passengers to keep a two metre social distance while waiting to board or buy tickets.

The measure is being taken in time for when The Sottish Government starts to ease lockdown restrictions across the country.

New one-way systems on platforms and for boarding and alighting from trains are likely to form part of the new approach to rail travel, operator Abellio told The Scotsman last week.

ScotRail shared an image on social media showing a workman laying social distance markers at a train station.

An image of a workman laying floor markings on a platform was shared by ScotRail on social media on Wednesday along with a post which said: "We've put floor markings in larger stations to show how far apart you should be standing while buying a ticket or waiting on a train.

"You should cover your face and maintain physical distancing where possible."

The Scottish Government advises wearing face coverings, such as scarves, when leaving the house and entering enclosed spaces like when travelling on public transport and in supermarkets.

The current government guidance in Scotland states that people should only leave home for reasons like getting food, medical care, exercise and 'essential' work which can not be done from home.

Plans for more trains

But some lockdown measures could be eased following a review at the end of the month, meaning the possibiity of more key workers being able to travel to work.

Space on trains is likely to be significantly cut so passengers can keep apart, but officials said this might be eased if face coverings means the two metre distancing can be reduced to 1.5 metre, as in some other countries.

Abellio told The Scotsman previously that it was also planning for an increase in trains so it was ready for lockdown restrictions to be eased and more people being allowed to travel.

They are currently restricted to key workers like NHS staff, but Abellio said businesses had asked for four weeks’ notice for re-opening workplaces.

However, the firm said very different working patterns might develop, with more people continuing to work from home more often.

A spokesperson said crowd management, similar to sporting fixtures and concerts, could be "normal practice" for the rest of the year.

One-way systems for passengers to enter and leave platforms are also being planned. This could be extended to passengers getting on and off trains, perhaps using different doors.

Passengers will also be encouraged not to stand up until the train reaches a station to prevent people crowding round doors.

Measures already taken by ScotRail to keep staff safe include no ticket checks, use of whistles banned other than in emergencies, and frequent cleaning of surfaces touched by passengers such as train door buttons.