MINISTERS have been accused of political point scoring as it was confirmed the country's single force will take over the policing of the railways once the function is devolved.

More than 200 British Transport Police officers will be absorbed into Police Scotland under the move confirmed by Justice Secretary Michael Matheson.

The process could be completed by the end of 2016.

At present BTP operates as a separate force in Scotland, patrolling the country's trains and railway stations.

Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Alex Johnstone said the public would be concerned about further centralisation at a time when the single force has been embroiled in a string of scandals over policing methods.

He said: "People will look at this move and think the SNP is again using Police Scotland to make a political point.

"The British Transport Police are hugely respected and valued by passengers. One of their key duties is policing cross-border services, but now they will have to get off the train before Scotland and be replaced by officers from the single force."

The UK Government has recommended handing the Scottish Parliament legislative competence in relation to railway policing in Scotland under its draft devolution settlement.

BTP had wanted to continue providing its own separate police service, with oversight by Holyrood instead of Westminster.

However, Mr Matheson has ruled against that.

He said: "Police reforms have been taking place in Scotland over the last 18 months, moving to the single force.

"It's been the Scottish Government's view that this [transport policing] would be better if it was integrated into Police Scotland given that it would sit alongside our national police service.

"That's why we believe this would be a better fit for how we are taking policing forward in Scotland."

A Scottish Government statement said the move would "ensure the most efficient and effective delivery of all policing in Scotland".

The consolidation comes amid criticism of the single force over the use of stop and search on children, armed officers responding to routine incidents, and claims that its public satisfaction survey was "rigged".

The Scottish Government said it would hold talks this year with all stakeholders including the rail industry, BTP, the BTP Authority - the watchdog for the force - and the BTP Federation, which represents staff.

BTP, which employs 231 officers in Scotland across a network of 11 offices based in major railway stations, has previously opposed a merger on the grounds that it might precipitate the break-up of the service nationally.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie called for a debate on whether to maintain BTP as a standalone entity instead of integrating it into Police Scotland.

"We need to consider this carefully rather than deciding now what the structure should be," said Mr Rennie.

Labour MP Tom Harris, who was the minister responsible for BTP in 2007/8, said the move was premature.

He added: "No-one has been consulted - neither the travelling public nor the police officers themselves. A hasty decision today could put at jeopardy the safety of the travelling public tomorrow."

Chief Constable of BTP, Paul Crowther, said passenger safety would remain the "top priority" as talks continue.

He said: "The public can be assured that while discussions over future reforms take place, we will continue to provide the professional and specialist police service they expect.

"Despite the uncertainty of recent months, our officers and staff have got on with the job with dedication and professionalism, and they will continue to do so."