Scot Rail ban ‘mosquito’
Scotrailbackdown overstation gadget
A controversial ‘mosquito anti-loitering device’ at Hamilton Central Railway Station has now been removed.
Scotrail have now banned the use of the equipment — which emits a high-pitched sound mostly audible to young people — at all their stations following a thorough review.
Scotrail has banned the use of controversial ‘mosquito antiloitering devices’ at Hamilton Central.
The firm say the equipment was installed in response to anti-social behaviour.
It was fitted in a bid to repel neds from hanging about the platforms.
The gadgets make an annoying pulsing sound that can only be heard by those in their early 20s or younger.
Hamilton Central had been dubbed ‘Scotland’s worst station’ and staff demonstrated outside it in a bid to get management to sit up and recognise the situation, which they described as ‘scandalous’.
However, Scotrail has now banned the use of the devices at all stations following a thorough review, which concluded that given the low usage of the devices, and the lack of evidence to show the positive impact of the devices in isolation, they should be banned.
David Lister, Scotrail Alliance director of safety and sustainability, said: “The safety and security of our staff and customers remains our priority, and we continue to work with all agencies – including the British Transport Police, Police Scotland, trade unions, and local authorities – to tackle any anti-social behaviour at our stations.
“These devices were always only a small part of a much wider effort to tackle anti-social behaviour wherever it occurred.
“A small number of customers raised concerns about the use of these devices. We always listen very carefully to customer feedback.
“Following a thorough review of the use of mosquito anti-loitering devices, we have taken the decision to ban them from the three stations at which they are currently installed.”
Members of the country’s biggest rail union had threatened to boycott Hamilton Central because of teenage gangs.
And a war of words had erupted over the use of the controversial antiloitering device at Hamilton Central back in July.
Its installation came after increasing reports of anti-social behaviour and youth disorder in the area. Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP Christina Mckelvie met with The Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland, Bruce Adamson, and chairperson of the Scottish Youth Parliament, Amy Lee Fraioli MSYP, to discuss the ongoing protection of children and young people in Scotland.
On the agenda was the topic of the mosquito device. The device has received widespread condemnation from the Youth Parliament, who argue the devices breach the human rights of young people.
Ms Mckelvie said: “I am pleased that Scotrail has listened to the concerns that these devices can cause undue harm to young people especially, and to little or no avail, issuing a blanket ban on mosquito anti-loitering devices at all of their stations.
“The SNP Government has previously written to local authorities and other key partners to emphasise their strong opposition to these devices, and I have also raised concerns with Scotrail about their devices installed within Hamilton Central in my constituency. While tackling antisocial behaviour is important, there are more proportionate responses than unfairly targeting one section of society. I look forward to working constructively with Scotrail in the future to ensure Hamilton Central remains safe and secure for all.”
South Lanarkshire Council welcome the news that Scotrail have banned the use of mosquito devices in their stations.
Councillor Julia Marrs, spokesperson for youth, said: “I am very pleased that the mosquito devices will not be used in Scotrail stations.
“It is not acceptable for young people to be discriminated against purely on their age, and I was very concerned about the effect on those with additional needs.”
I am pleased that Scotrail has listened to the concerns