The ScotRail Alliance and British Transport Police (BTP) are sending a strong warning to anyone intent on causing disruption through nuisance or disorder that they will not be permitted to travel on trains in West Dunbartonshire.

Rail services around Dalmuir-Balloch and Helensburgh-Dalmuir have been experiencing some unacceptable levels of disruption, particularly at weekends. Verbal assaults on rail staff along with fighting and disruptive behaviour on trains and around stations, have resulted in ScotRail bringing in extra customer service staff to manage crowds and prevent problems before they occur.

This bank holiday weekend (25-28 May) extra staff will be positioned at key stations and on train services during times when many people will be travelling to meet friends and family.

The ScotRail Alliance assures staff and customers that these extra measures are tackling what is unacceptable behaviour by a small minority of rail travellers – and to make clear in some instances it is disruption caused by groups gathering near the railway with no intention of travelling on a train.

ScotRail Alliance Safety & Sustainability Director David Lister said:

“As the bank holiday weekend approaches – with a promise of good weather – we expect many people to be out and about enjoying some leisure time.

“The safety of our staff and customers is our number one priority and we don’t want anyone’s day to be blighted by the anti-social behaviour of others. Violence and disruption on the railway won’t be tolerated and we’re working with BTP and providing additional patrols around known trouble hotspots to make sure it is tackled quickly and effectively.”

 British Transport Police Inspector Chris Shields said:

“We’re absolutely committed to tackling anti-social behaviour on the West Dunbartonshire and ensuring the rail network remains a safe and low crime environment. Unfortunately, a small minority are intent on causing trouble and we will continue to work hard with ScotRail and Police Scotland to reduce offending.

“We thankfully police a CCTV rich environment and we will always exploit this powerful tool to clamp down on unacceptable behaviour and investigate offenders. Likewise, we would encourage passengers using the network to report their concerns to us discreetly by sending us a text on 61016.”