Ticket checks on ScotRail trains will be reintroduced from next week.

The train operator has confirmed that from Monday (April 26) all journeys will see the return of ticket examiners and conductors in a bid to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour on services and keep trains clean.

The return of these roles marks the latest step towards a level of normality for customers, after travel restrictions were lifted last week.

British Transport Police and roving ScotRail teams will also be on trains, carrying out on the spot fraud checks to make sure passengers are paying for the correct journeys.

And passengers are being asked to play their part by continuing to heed the rules for safe travel that are still required on trains and in stations.

These include the wearing of face coverings and maintaining physical distancing of one metre.

With increased ticket checks in place both at stations and on trains, customers are being reminded to buy tickets in advance of travel via the ScotRail app, website, or station facilities to ensure waiting times are reduced and physical distancing is supported.

All customers must hold a valid ticket before boarding a train.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Head of Customer Operations, said: “We are absolutely committed to the health and well-being of our staff and passengers, so there has been a massive effort to ensure the on-train environment is safe to give people peace of mind when travelling.

“The visible presence of ScotRail staff throughout trains is critically important for customers, and its return is a welcome step in the recovery of the railway.

“But, it’s also vital our passengers remember they have a responsibility to each other, and our staff, to observe our rules for safer travel until COVID-19 restrictions are completely lifted.

“Customers are being reminded to buy tickets in advance of travel via the ScotRail app, website, or station facilities. It is a requirement to hold a valid ticket before boarding a train, and we will be increasing the frequency of our checks to make sure customers are playing their part.”