Railways: Anti-social Behaviour

My Department is committed to ensuring that the railway remains safe for passengers and staff including by tackling anti-social behaviour. The British Transport Police (BTP), as the dedicated police force for the railway, work closely with the rail industry and the Department to ensure this is the case.

There are already rules in the Railway Byelaws to prevent anti-social behaviour on the railway with fines of up to £1,000. It is also an offence to be drunk on a train, and BTP can serve a Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND) if an individual is drunk or has committed an alcohol-related offence. An individual could also be refused permission to travel. It is essential that individuals who witness or experience this behaviour report it to the BTP by texting 61016, or by calling 999 in an emergency.

The newly launched Railway Behaviour Notices also mean low level, repeat offenders, including those who are drunk, can be banned from using the railway for up to 6 months and can be issued alongside criminal investigations if deemed appropriate by the BTP.

Train operators can also ban alcohol from being taken on their services if they think it necessary. This could be where services are likely to be used to get to and from certain large sporting events and some football fixtures. This is enforced in partnership by operator staff with support from the BTP.