Revellers making use of the trains this Christmas are being warned to be on their best behaviour after a 17 per cent rise in alcohol-related incidents were reported on the network last year.

The figures released by the British Transport Police show that 7,419 such incidents took place on the railways across the country in 2016/17 – with 16 per cent taking place between November 24 and January 2.

Officers from BTP are joining ScotRail and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) to launch the Keep a Clear Head campaign, hoping to avert danger points including not heeding warnings at level crossings, trips on the railway edge and straying on to the tracks themselves.

Superintendent David Marshall from British Transport Police, said: “We’re not in the business of spoiling anyone’s fun, but we want to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable festive season.

"We do see a rise in anti-social and public order offences in the run up to Christmas and the New Year and sadly much of this is a result of partygoers drinking to excess and behaving in an unacceptable way.

“We advise people to plan their journey in advance, and we will be stepping up our patrols on rail services and at stations over the coming weeks to ensure those travelling on the rail network over this busy period can do so safely and securely.”

David Lister, safety and sustainability director for the ScotRail Alliance, said: “We do everything we can to make moving around our stations as easy and safe as possible, however, excessive drinking does often play a role in many of the incidents we see on our network.

“We want people to enjoy their evenings and get home safe and this campaign will hopefully act as a gentle reminder to take extra care when out enjoying yourself this Christmas.”