ScotRail will more than triple its number of body worn cameras in a £1.6million investment to tackle anti-social behaviour on Scotland’s Railway.

The train operator will roll out more than 1,000 new body cameras by the end of this month, replacing its existing suite of 350 body cameras, while increasing the number of units available to frontline staff.

David Lister, Safety, Engineering and Sustainability director at ScotRail, said: "ScotRail is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour on Scotland’s Railway.

"Body worn cameras play an important role in deterring criminal behaviour and supporting potential prosecutions.

"By increasing the number of units available to our people, it means that anyone who wants to use a body camera has the option to do so.

"Safety is our top priority, and together with our Travel Safe Team, these cameras play a crucial role in ensuring a secure work environment for our customers and colleagues."

ScotRail first introduced body worn cameras in 2017, after a successful trial showed that customers positively changed their behaviour when they learned they were being recorded.

Since then the devices have been invaluable in providing evidence in incidents, resulting in successful prosecutions.

ScotRail is also beefing up the number of frontline staff especially during late-night journeys on important routes.

Its Travel Safe Team, introduced in October 2021 and later expanded in autumn 2022, works hand-in-hand with the British Transport Police (BTP) to promote a safe railway environment both onboard trains and in stations.

The Travel Safe Team, ScotRail said, was effective in quickly focusing on emerging hot spots and engaging with individuals and groups about the potential hazards of unsafe behaviours around the railway.

Since its inception, ScotRail said it has observed a decline in anti-social incidents reported during and post safety campaigns.

Jim Gray, RMT ScotRail co-ordinator, said: "The RMT union fully supports the use of body worn cameras to tackle anti-social behaviour.

"It’s great to see ScotRail increasing the number of units available for frontline staff to more than 1,000, meaning a camera is available for anyone who wants one."