TRADE union bosses have accused ScotRail of "playing fast and loose with passenger safety" after running a number of train services with only a driver on board.

Rail union RMT attacked the operator for running four services between Rutherglen and Milngavie without either a conductor or ticket examiner on Sunday April 17.

The union, which is already preparing to ballot its members on possible strike action in protest over plans to scrap conductors on ScotRail services, said the operator had breached an agreement to ensure that a ticket examiner was always available on driver-only services without a conductor.

RMT insists that a "safety qualified member of staff" should be on every train to assist passengers and in case of an emergency.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “ScotRail are playing fast and loose with passenger safety.

"Assurances that a ticket examiner would be on board trains that are driver-only operations have not been kept.

In pictures: Queen Street tunnel work enters second stage

"If it had been a train that was meant to have a conductor on board then it simply would not have run without a second member of staff.

“The latest incidents only go to show that we are correct to be balloting for action to save the jobs of safety critical staff on ScotRail.

"It is time the company put safety before profit on this essential public service.”

RMT is opposed to any extension of driver-only operations during the current Abellio ScotRail franchise, but confirmed last week that it will begin balloting its members on industrial action after failing to secure the "guarantees required" from rail bosses.

The trade union believes axing conductors and making drivers operate the train doors instead will jeopardise safety.

Perry Ramsey, Operations Director of the ScotRail Alliance said: "The safety of our passengers is our highest priority and we have operated trains in this manner in Scotland for nearly 30 years now with an impeccable safety record.

"Our focus on safety is unchanged. We appreciate that our trades unions have views on how these operational systems work and we are open to discuss these ideas at any time."