I NOTE ScotRail’s decision to ban the use of sonic devices as a means of dispersing loitering youths (“ScotRail axes anti-loitering devices”, The Herald, November 18.). However, there is a tried-and-tested alternative solution which I witnessed being used with some success at Dresden Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) earlier this year. Popular classical music is played continuously over the station loudspeaker system. Dresden’s local newspaper reported its relative success as a deterrent during my stay in the city.
This simple solution seems to have the desired effect of dispersing youthful (and not-so-youthful) loiterers, presumably because such music is regarded as culturally “uncool” by them. Indeed, I seem to remember the same method being used at Glasgow Central a few decades ago with similar apparent success. Perhaps the message was not passed on to successive railway managers.
Dave Stewart,
6 Blairatholl Avenue, Glasgow.
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