24.02.15
RSSB proposes banning alcohol on the rail network
Alcohol should be banned on trains to help prevent passenger accidents, according to a report from the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB).
The Platform Train Interface Strategy, which looks at ways to cut down on accidents on platforms and when boarding trains, cites ‘intoxication’ as a factor in 21 of the 32 deaths in the past 10 years and says drunkenness is involved in nearly 10% of all incidents.
The RSSB said it will produce a “formalised agreement” on the management of intoxicated passengers for Network Rail, station and train staff, and that they will look at the possibility of banning the sale of alcohol on trains.
The report reads: “This formalised agreement will be supported by investigation into additional legislation and policy that could be used to support the management of intoxicated passengers, for example banning the sale and consumption of alcohol on trains (similar to TfL).”
Drinking on the London Underground was outlawed in 2008 in by mayor Boris Johnson, in an effort to drive down crime on the network.
Bruce Williamson of Railfuture told the Evening Standard he was pleased safety improvements were being examined but thought an alcohol ban was the wrong approach.
"It does seem a bit drastic," he said. "There must be a more sensible solution than banning alcohol. It seems like a blunderbuss approach. It's right that they are addressing the issue but we also need to consider the possibility that someone turns up [at the station] drunk.
"I'm not convinced it's the right way forward, but I'm pleased that improvements and quality of life for passengers is being looked at."
(Library image by David Jones)
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]