Fears of a “summer of violence” in Scotland have been raised after youths were caught wreaking havoc in small towns. Incidents have been attributed to those involved “abusing” their free bus passes to travel around.
Police were already forced to act this week following a large-scale disturbance in Aberdour, Fife, on Tuesday, April 7. Two groups had to be separated by officers.
They were eventually sent home on buses and trains, but further issues were reported at nearby bus stations on their arrival.
As reported by the Scottish Daily Express, use of the passes by those involved has sparked concerns of similar scenes unfolding during the summer months. Issues have previously been reported in Ayrshire and Loch Lomond, which see large groups of young people from the Glasgow area congregating.
Sue Webber, transport spokesperson for the Scottish Conservatives, said her party would “remove free passes from anyone who commits anti-social or criminal behaviour on buses, or who has done so in the past”.
She added: “The shocking sight of these youngsters running riot will have left terrified locals across Fife fearing for their safety.
“The SNP’s relentless weakening of the justice system means that youths who want to cause chaos feel emboldened, as they know they will often be let off the hook.
“This situation seems to have been escalated through the use of the SNP’s free bus scheme, which we know a small minority of youngsters are abusing with dangerous consequences.”
As of 2022, Scots under the age of 22 can travel for free across the country regardless of their financial situation, with around 900,000 young people eligible.
The SNP previously pledged to introduce legislation to take passes away from misbehaving youths, but failed to do so before parliament dissolved.
It was revealed earlier this year that the killer of bus driver Keith Rollinson was still eligible for a pass despite his horrific crime. Mr Rollinson died after being assaulted by a drunk 15-year-old after he refused to let him on the bus at Elgin Bus Station.
SNP minister Jim Fairlie previously claimed that “anti-social behaviour on the bus network is something we are determined to address”.
Of Tuesday’s incident, Inspector Gordon Stanford said: “This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and those involved will be traced and, where criminality is identified, be held accountable.
“I appreciate this has caused distress to local residents and I want to reassure them, officers will remain in the area and anyone with concerns can approach them.
“I’d also ask anyone with information on those involved in this disorder to come forward and speak to police. If you have CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage which has captured anything of significance, please also bring it to our attention.”