New rail “police” have been employed to patrol London’s rail network and crack down on anti-social behaviour.

The officials will have uniforms and the power to issue on-the-spot fines, in a bid to make travelling by rail more pleasant.

Although they are not police officers, the new Travel Safe Officers also have the power to demand names and addresses, and to confiscate alcohol and tobacco from young people, under the Police Reform Act 2002.

This controversial legislation gave certain uniformed officials powers similar to those exercised by the police, as part of the Government’s drive to create a “police family”.

Transport for London, the capital’s transport authority, has announced it is employing 20 officers in a 12-month trial.

They will work closely with officers from the British Transport Police.

Transport for London said the scheme would cost £600,000 over 12 months, and the officers would spend most of their time on trains. About a fifth of their time will be spent in stations.

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London's advisor on Transport, said: “Londoners using the Overground services will not be able to miss the new trial team who will provide an extra set of eyes and ears on the network.”

British Transport Police Chief Inspector Phil Wilkinson said: “We are looking forward to working closely with the new Travel Safe Officers and believe that their presence will provide extra reassurance to passengers travelling on London.”

Ian Brown, Managing Director of London Rail, said: “We are committed to making our passengers feel even safer when travelling on our network - particularly as we know that the fear of crime remains for many Londoners.”

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