Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, is highlighting the campaign launched by ScotRail, The Scottish Government, British Transport Police and Trade Unions to tackle abuse experienced by transport staff as part of a £1.6m crackdown. Fiona helped to launch this campaign in her capacity has Transport Minister.
Fiona commented,
“I am aware of the reports of anti-social behaviour on trains and at the station in Linlithgow recently causing staff and passengers to become intimidated.
“This nation-wide funding will allow for an increase in body worn cameras, hire more staff for night trains and introduce a team of revenue protection officers. Extra support will also be offered to affected staff.
“It is vital that those working or using public transport can go about their business without fear of abuse and I would encourage all rail users to actively report any incidents they witness directly to the British Transport Police either online or over the phone.”
In case of an emergency, always call 999 and to report incidents that do not require an emergency response, call 101 or text 61016.
Details on how to report a crime or anti-social behaviour to the British Transport Police are at these links, you can also respond to a short questionnaire on their website if complainers wish to report a crime more subtly. There is also a link to Report sexual harassment and intimidation, indecent exposure or upskirting.
Report antisocial behaviour | British Transport Police (btp.police.uk)
Report a crime | British Transport Police (btp.police.uk)
ENDS
Editor’s notes:
The British Transport Police (BTP), the force responsible for policing the train network, has committed to several pledges which aim to enhance the safety of staff and support any victims of abuse. A dedicated investigator will follow up any report of abuse and will work closely with ScotRail to support railway staff through any incident. Repeat offenders, or those deemed to pose the greatest threat to staff, will be targeted with prohibitive court orders.
An additional £2 million has already been invested on improved CCTV cameras with intelligent video analytics which can monitor network operations in real time and support the BTP in any follow up investigations. Extra support will be offered to affected staff, from assistance in attending court hearings to training in conflict resolution.
The campaign is being supported by the National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT), Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF), Transport Salaried Staff Association (TSSA), and Unite the Union (Unite), in addition to Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government.