Brits could soon be hit with fines between £100 and £1,000 for vaping at bus stops, under new laws being considered by Parliament. Transport bodies would gain the power to issue on-the-spot fixed penalty notices.
While there are currently no strict laws banning vaping in public, most transport operators, including trains, planes, the tube, buses and stations, generally prohibit it.
The size of the charge, up to £100, will be decided by the authorities, but failure to pay promptly could result in fines of up to £1,000. This could apply to open-air bus stops as well as shelters with a roof and sides.
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These new rules would allow authorities like Transport for London to introduce by-laws to tackle anti-social behaviour such as smoking and fare-dodging. Although vaping is banned on bus services and stations, it usually does not apply to bus stops. In oterh news plans have been unveiled to issue on the spot finesfor loud music on public transport.
Earlier this year,a ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes came into effect. In addition, under separate legislation, the Government is banning anyone born after January 2009 from ever being able to legally buy cigarettes.
A Department for Transport spokesman stated that the department will issue guidance that fines should only be issued as a last resort if initial warnings are ignored.
New figures from HAYPP have revealed a staggering 188% surge in complaints about vaping on public transport, with reports nearly tripling between 2022 and 2023. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Transport for London (TfL) has shed light on just how prevalent vaping is on public transport.
The study found:Transport for London has received 204 complaints from the public about vaping on public transport, with complaints almost tripling from 26 in 2022 to 75 in 2023. According to research, only 40% of people say they would report criminal or harmful events on public transport to the transport provider.
While TfL doesn't currently issue immediate fines for passengers caught vaping, TfL staff, if safe to do so, will ask that you stop or leave the station or vehicle, and if you are uncooperative, you risk police intervention for any abusive or violent behaviour towards staff and other passengers, which could result in criminal charges.
If not spotted by another passenger or staff, many public transport services use smoke detectors which have optical or ionisation sensors which are vapour sensitive.
Markus Lindblad, Head of External Affairs at HAYPP, has warned about the risks of vaping on public transport: "Vaping on public transport can be disruptive for other passengers and, in some cases, harmful for those with respiratory issues or illnesses. It can also increase the risk of fires in enclosed spaces.
"Some smoke detectors can pick up vapour, which may lead to delays and disruptions for everyone on board. To ensure a safe and pleasant journey for all, always check local rules before vaping in public spaces and avoid areas where it's prohibited to prevent any potential penalties or fines."
