THE recent introductions of the £10 instant fine for those caught travelling by train without holding a valid ticket has resulted in a lot of revenue for Merseyrail.

Considering the number of inspectors they have patrolling the trains in search of this extra cash, it would be nice if they could, in turn, put some of this money generated into passenger safety. I have found that drunken passengers and threatening groups have always been a problem on Merseyrail.

For example, I recently travelled to Moreton from Eastham with my eight-month-old daughter at 11am on a Saturday. At Hamilton Square a loud and aggressive drunk, holding a can of lager, was allowed to board despite the fact he must have passed by inspectors at the lift. He was abusive to other passengers and struck up a conversation with me about my daughter. I was too afraid not to answer him and at one point I thought he was going to touch her face as he looked into her pram.

I felt most threatened and was very relieved when he alighted at Birkenhead Park.

It is insulting that paying customers are hassled sometimes as much as three times during one journey to produce a valid ticket, but then do not have the luxury of travelling safely.

Joanna Smith (address supplied)