ScotRail train drivers have voted to accept a new pay offer, clearing the way for timetables to return to normal.

Members of the ASLEF union were working to their contracted hours, meaning no overtime and no working on days off, since July, leading the rail operator to introduce a reduced service.

The union was balloting members over potential strike action after rejecting a multi-stage 9.3% increase from ScotRail over three years, but late last month received an offer which it recommended its members accept.

The result of the three-week ballot – which ran from September 2nd to Wednesday 25th September – was Yes: 74.89%; No: 25.11% on a turnout of 77.71%.

The specifics of the new pay deal have not been made public, but it's understood it will include a 4.5% pay rise backdated to April.

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ASLEF Scotland Organiser, Kevin Lindsay, said: “This is a positive result that was achieved through the resolute determination of our members to get a fair pay deal for them and their families. 

“I am pleased that ScotRail and the Scottish Government have shown they understand the importance of our members to Scotland's rail service.

“Appreciating the workforce in the railways is a fundamental prerequisite if Scotland is to deliver the world-class, affordable, attractive and accessible rail services the country needs. 

“We are pleased that appreciation of our members has been reflected in this pay agreement.”

It comes as ScotRail will be bringing back peak fares at the end of September.

A year long pilot scheme in which they were removed failed to deliver the necessary increase in rail use, the Scottish Government said.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “The pilot primarily benefitted existing train passengers and those with medium to higher incomes. Although passenger levels increased to a maximum of around 6.8%, it would require a 10% increase in passenger numbers for the policy to be self-financing.”

She said the pilot will have saved many passengers hundreds, but that the level of subsidy required “cannot continue in the current financial climate on that measure alone.”

The minister said ScotRail would instead offer a 12-month discount on all season tickets and amend the terms of flexipasses to allow for 12 single journeys for the price of 10.