SCOTTISH public transport workers have been victims of nearly 200 attacks in the past two years, new research reveals.
Nearly three-quarters of the incidents involved a physical assault, meaning 150 staff on trains, ferries and buses have been subjected to violent attacks, according to transport bosses.
Now a major campaign has been launched by transport bosses and unions who are calling on passengers to help further cut the abuse of transport workers over the festive season.
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Chief Superintendent John McBride, of British Transport Police, said: “Violence against staff, be that physical or verbal, is never acceptable and we are committed to driving this offence down across Scotland.
“In the past year, we have seen a drop in the number of assaults, but we are by no means complacent and will continue working tirelessly to make the transport network a safe place to travel and work.”
Transport chiefs said staff work hard to get Christmas revellers home safely, but they warned workers often face being the target of unwarranted and unacceptable abuse. The festive transport campaign hopes to tackle abuse against road, rail and sea workers.
Ross Moran, general manager for operations at Caledonian MacBrayne ferries, said: “Thankfully instances of physical and verbal abuse towards staff on our vessels or in ports are rare. But they do happen and can be not only frightening and very intimidating for the staff member in question, but also our customers.
“There is never an excuse and we are pleased to support this campaign to raise awareness.”
The campaign comes after a sheriff demanded a radical change in the law to ensure thugs who attack emergency workers are automatically sent to prison. Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said the continued increase in violent assaults on staff meant it was time for a rethink on sentencing policy to act as a deterrent.
The sheriff spoke out after hearing the case of a drunk who was filmed as he fought with police on a hospital ward.
Mark Wishart, 31, admitted brawling with four officers as medics attempted to treat him for drink-related injuries at Perth Royal Infirmary.
But the frustrated sheriff refused to jail Wishart at Perth Sheriff Court, saying if he did, the Appeal Court would likely overrule him and reduce the sentence to a non-custodial one.
Now there is a campaign to prevent a similar situation happening on public transport.
Kevin Lindsay, Scottish organiser at train drivers’ union Aslef, said: “We want everyone to have an enjoyable festive period but remind passengers to respect all transport workers as they work hard to get everyone home safely.”
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David Lister, ScotRail sustainability and safety assurance director, said: “Whilst the majority of our customers will be enjoying some well-earned time off with friends and family, our teams will still be hard at work to help our customers get to and from the shops or nights out.”
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf has urged the public to support the joint campaign., which he said highlights the unacceptable nature of violence against transport workers.
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