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Johnson and unions clash over drink ban on trains

Mark Blunden, Evening Standard
08.05.08

The new Mayor has clashed with unions for the first time over his plans to ban alcohol on public transport. In his first big policy announcement yesterday, Boris Johnson promised that the "cultural shift" on drinking would improve safety and security.

From 1 June passengers can be ordered off Tubes, trains, the DLR and buses if they are caught with a can or bottle.

Mr Johnson said: "Too many people have the unpleasant experience of sitting opposite someone swigging a can of lager."

But because a law has not yet been passed, British Transport Police will have no powers to fine passengers for about a year.

An extra 440 police community support officers, another election pledge, will help enforce the ban. But the RMT is concerned the measures would put staff at risk.

Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, said: "Perhaps the Mayor will come out with his underpants over his trousers like Superman one Saturday to show us how it should be done, and maybe tell a crowd of Liverpool supporters that they can't drink on the train."

Mr Johnson also hopes the new conditions will be "self-policing", similar to the smoking ban.

Transport for London said the ban could not be applied to trains on the national network, dealing another blow to the new Mayor's plan.

A spokesman for Department for Transport added: "Train companies already have powers to deal with any antisocial drinking on trains."

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I lived in London for 30 years and I'm now living in Liverpool, if Bob Crowe would like to visit Liverpool he'll see his comments on Liverpool supporters are not only unfounded but utter rubbish. The militant days of the 80's are long gone here, we've moved on, as should you Mr Crowe, and as for banning alcohol on tubes, why not? I used to wonder why I moved from London, and people like Bob Crowe remind me why and help me remember what a good choice it was.

- Cc, Liverpool

In response to B.Shearer..
I m afraid your wrong sir.. I have on many numerous occasions advised members of the public that smoking is not permitted on any part of LUL due to the Kings Cross disaster and the subsequent inquiry and Fennell's report.
I have never had a aggressive response from any member of the public whilst informing them of these facts, most people are slightly taken aback but always pleasant.
As I stated before LUL station staff have set procedures in place to deal with incidents such as these and have the power to call the BTP to deal with aggressive or violent persons.
These measures should be embraced by all responsible tube users as the measure should help in bringing in a more stable safe environment for one and all in which to travel.

Other crimes such as begging and fraud via illegal charity collections should also be targeted and members of the public should inform Station staff of such incidents.
If you are asked to make a donation by any persons pertaining to be from a charity always ask for id and the permit issued by LUL to verify if the have the authority to make such collections, if they cannot be produced then do not make a donation and inform LUL staff as these people are committing fraud.
So with all these regulations and procedures in place Stand up & be counted by informing LUL staff.

Brian Paddick was spot on when he stated that the public have no trust with Police or organisations such as TfL & BTP. This issue needs addressing!

- Stand Up & Be Counted!!, London

All drinking and eating should be banned on all public transport, also in private transport. I don't use PT often but at times have had to sit next to people eating their breakfast and had to travel on buses of a night time with disregarded chips etc. laying on the floor.

They are talking about banning smoking in private cars, they say it is dangerous. How many people have been seen drinking coffee or a soft drink while they are driving?

They even put cup holders in cars to aid you doing it.

We used to see mess due to smoking on PT, now its empty
cups and paper due to food and drink.

Ban it all, and I and many others might use PT more?

- P C, Rainham. England.