The number of alcohol- related crimes on Scotland's railways in the year since a post-9pm ban on alcohol was introduced have more than doubled.

ScotRail released figures yesterday showing that since the launch on July 20 2012, 240 such crimes were recorded after 9pm compared with 129 over the previous 12 months.

It said stronger enforcement by British Transport Police and higher levels of customer and staff reporting have led to the arrests.

Steve Montgomery, managing director of ScotRail, said: "The pro-active approach adopted by ourselves, BTP, customers and staff is working."

"There will be repercussions for the small minority who flout the ban and behave in an anti-social manner due to excess alcohol. "

Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, added: "We welcome the fact that ScotRail and British Transport Police are cracking down on alcohol-related behaviour on late evening services."

The figures are in line with those provided under freedom of information to The Herald in June.