ScotRail is to trial the use of body-worn cameras on Scotland’s busiest routes and stations, starting from mid-March.
The train operator says that body cams has the potential to deter anti-social behaviour. About 200 station and on-train staff will wear one of 21 cameras at some point during the 11-week trial, from Aberdeen to Ayrshire, Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Paisley.
The train company says that staff will only turn cameras on when doing so could help prevent, or document, incidents. A yellow symbol will be visible on the front of the devices when video and audio is being recorded.
Jacqueline Dey, ScotRail’s operations and safety director, said: “While crime has fallen for ten consecutive years on Scotland’s railways, we’re determined to make rail travel feel even more comfortable for customers and staff. Body-worn cameras are one element of this ongoing commitment, and we are confident that customers will find them to be a reassuring presence.
“Following the trial, we will carefully review feedback from staff, customers and industry partners before taking decisions on the next steps for the technology.”
Audio and video footage from the cameras could be used as evidence in court to allow all parties to see what took place during an incident.
Chief Superintendent John McBride, Divisional Commander of the Scotland Division of British Transport Police, said: “BTP welcomes the initiative by ScotRail, which will further increase the safety and security of those who work and travel on Scotland’s rail network every day. Scotland’s railway is an extremely low crime environment and the chance of becoming a victim of crime is very small. Nonetheless, staff have the right to go about their duties without the threat of encountering anti-social behaviour of any kind.
“The cameras will be a useful additional tool in deterring anyone intent on behaving in an unacceptable manner, as well as providing vital prosecution evidence for the courts. The body-worn video cameras used by BTP in Scotland have already proven their worth in similar situations.”
In the latest National Rail Passenger Survey, published in January, ScotRail points to it scoring year-on-year improvements for personal security – rating 78 per cent at stations and 85pc on trains, seven and eight points above the UK average respectively.
