Crackdown on train offenders

The latest trains are equipped with digital CCTV equipment

Sixty nine people were prosecuted in Northern Ireland for anti-social behaviour on trains in the first half of this year, Translink has revealed.

The company said on Tuesday that fines totalling more than £10,000 were handed out for offences including trespassing on railway lines and being drunk and abusive.

The largest single fine was more than £1,000, given for a combination of feet on seats, abusive language and threatening behaviour.

Translink spokesman Mal McGreevy said the company was increasingly taking a "zero tolerance" attitude towards people who put the safety of passengers and staff at risk.

Cash reward

"The wide-ranging nature of the prosecutions reflect this and include suspended prison sentences, official cautions, penalty points and fines," he said.

"Together we need to stamp out vandalism, anti-social behaviour and trespassing, because everyone has the right to work or travel on our trains in a pleasant environment and feel safe."

Mr McGreevy said a cash reward scheme to encourage witnesses to report incidents had been successful.

"The scheme works on the basis that if a member of the public, or a member of staff witnesses any incident and are prepared to give evidence in court, resulting in a person being convicted, then Translink will make a cash reward payment of up to £1,000," he said.

Mr McGreevey also revealed that testing of the first of 23 new trains would be completed in the next three or four weeks and they would be put into service some time in October.

The new Spanish-built rolling stock will be fitted with digital CCTV recording equipment.