Bill integrating railway policing into Police Scotland moves closer

The integration of railway policing into Police Scotland has moved a step closer following the publication of a bill in Parliament.

The Railway Policing (Scotland) Bill gives railway policing powers to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) and Police Scotland, in preparation for the integration of British Transport Police (BTP) in Scotland, a plan the BTP opposed last year.

The bill also creates an obligation for the SPA and Chief Constable to engage regularly with railway operators on railway policing, and obtain the views of rail passengers and other interested persons, about policing of railways.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “British Transport Police plays a valuable role in keeping Scotland’s railways safe and we will ensure railway policing has a strong future and is fully accountable to the people of Scotland.

“Safety will always be our top priority and rail passengers and staff will continue to receive the high standards of security on our rail network that they are used to, throughout the period of integration and beyond.

“We have listened closely to the issues raised by the rail industry, policing services and unions and we have offered a triple-lock guarantee that secures jobs, pay and pension conditions through the course of integration.

“We have been assured by Police Scotland that the specialist knowledge, skills and experience of BTP officers and staff will be protected and maintained within Scotland’s wider policing service. As part of Police Scotland, railway policing will benefit from their local support, specialist resources and expertise.”

However, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said in March last year that specialist skills developed over years would be lost in the transfer.

General secretary Mick Cash said at the time: “It is sheer arrogance on the part of the SNP government that they are ignoring the advice of the BTP and those who work in the railway industry and are forging ahead with plans to merge this important and distinctive policing operation into the wider force.

“Skills and expertise in dealing with the specialist policing needs on the railways would be lost for ever and would result in an inferior policing service which would impact on staff and passengers alike.

“RMT stands alongside our sister rail unions in opposing these ill-conceived and dangerous plans.”