Setting the Scene

The first meeting provided an opportunity to set the scene for the purpose and remit of the Working Group. At the meeting key themes emerged based on the reflections of rail industry partners and the trade unions which informed the future meeting cycle and the items of focus for the Working Group, these included:

• What are the types of behaviour the Group is looking to address.
• Limited out of court disposals for BTP.
• Challenges around youth justice.
• Greater statutory protections for rail staff.
• What appropriate actions can be taken to deal with repeat offenders.

The first meeting coincided with the Programme for Government announcement that the blanket ban on alcohol on ScotRail trains would be lifted and replaced by new rules around alcohol consumption. This decision was supported by a package of strengthened measures to tackle and prevent antisocial behaviour on Scotland’s railway, which included the creation of this Working Group.

In light of the Group's composition of rail industry specialists with extensive knowledge of the rail network, it was tasked with agreeing a date for lifting the alcohol restrictions and introducing the new rules. This decision was then shared with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport for consideration.