Festive ban on railway drunks

Nov 17 2006 By Kate Mansey Daily Post Staff

DRUNKEN passengers and those carrying alcohol will be banned from Merseyrail trains in the run-up to Christmas, police announced last night.

It is part of a tough new stance to crack down on yobbish behaviour on public transport.

The alcohol ban will be in place every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from tonight through to Christmas Eve.

No alcohol will be allowed on any Merseyrail trains departing from Liverpool Central, Lime Street, Moorfields, James Street and Hamilton Square from 6pm to midnight.

Officers from the British Transport Police will be out in force to ensure train passengers abide by the new restrictions.

Anyone who appears intoxicated will be stopped from boarding the train.

The ban will be enforced in a similar way to no-alcohol zones which are in operation in Liverpool city centre.

Patrick Verwer, Merseyrail's managing director, said: "We all like to have a good time in the festive season but excessive use of alcohol and drunkenness by just a few of our passengers can be intimidating for the vast majority.

"So this measure will help to ensure that everyone gets home after a great night out without feeling threatened by drunken behaviour on our trains."