Railway yobs will be banned from stations in Greater Manchester under tough new powers being rolled out across the country this summer. The initiative is being hailed as a new approach to tackling anti-social behaviour at and around railway stations.
New Powers for Train Operators and Police
Industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said train operators and British Transport Police will be able to issue 'Railway Behaviour Notices' to repeat offenders, banning them from specific stations for up to a year. These notices will act as station bans lasting between six months and 12 months. Anyone breaching a notice risks arrest for trespass.
First Line of Defence
The RDG described the notices as 'a first line of defence' to stop harmful behaviour before formal criminal proceedings are launched. Trials showed a 'clear reduction in repeat offending', the RDG said. The body insisted the railway is a 'safe place to travel', with anti-social behaviour reported on one in every 80,000 passenger journeys.
RDG chief executive Jacqueline Starr said: 'Railway Behaviour Notices help create immediately safer conditions for customers and frontline colleagues by banning individuals from the network who have shown they cannot use the railway responsibly. In this shared public space, the vast majority of passengers do behave responsibly, and this is about protecting their right, and the right of staff, to travel and work in safety. This is a major moment for the railway. Early trials have already shown a significant reduction in repeat incidents, giving passengers and rail staff a safer environment and better working conditions for frontline staff.'
Government and Police Support
Rail minister Lord Hendy said: 'Everyone deserves to feel safe when they travel, and nobody should have to tolerate abuse or anti-social behaviour on our railways. These notices give operators and police a practical tool to stop repeat offenders sooner, before situations escalate.'
BTP Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said: 'Railway Behaviour Notices give train operators stronger powers to tackle repeat anti-social behaviour, helping stop crime in its tracks before it happens. We’re committed to working closely with our rail industry partners when these notices are issued. Every rail passenger has the right to a safe journey, and millions are made across Britain every day without incident. However, on the rare occasions that an incident occurs, we will always support rail staff and take robust action.'
