Unruly passengers would be banned from ScotRail network under new law being considered

A law banning unruly passengers from ScotRail is being considered by the Scottish Government, transport minister Jenny Gilruth has told MSPs.

The move follows a call from the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) following concerns about women’s safety and anti-social behaviour on trains.

A ban could be introduced in the same way that fans can be banned from football grounds.

Ms Gilruth said ministers did not currently have powers to ban people from trains and stations run by ScotRail, which is being switched to Scottish Government control on April 1.

Transport minister Jenny Gilruth has expressed concerns about women's safety on trains. Picture: Scottish Parliament TV

She told the Scottish Parliament’s net zero, energy and transport committee: “If there is an opportunity to look at how we might better support staff in this endeavour, then I’m keen to look at all options.”

Transport Scotland rail director Bill Reeve told the committee: “There aren’t specific powers for the banning of people who exhibit anti-social behaviour on trains in the way there are, for example, powers to ban people from attendance at football matches.

"It’s something [on which] we have commenced discussions with [Scottish Government] justice colleagues.

"We would like to follow up with the British Transport Police (BTP) as something which deserves further consideration.”

Ms Gilruth added: “From discussions with the union, there was a feeling of unfairness that the legislation did not extend to railway workers in the same way that it might in other parts of society.

"There would be people identified in terms of their behaviour and they would be back on the train the next day or in a couple of hours, and it was quite demoralising for staff.

"We have to look again at the provisions in the legislation, working with BTP to ensure that we get this right.