New legislation would allow transport authorities, including Transport for London, to issue fixed penalty notices to people caught vaping at bus stops and other public transport areas. Fines could be set at up to 100 initially and increase to 1,000 if unpaid. Authorities would have discretion over issuing penalties, and guidance from the Department for Transport advises that fines should be used only as a last resort after warnings. Vaping advocates say the change is being introduced quietly as part of broader measures targeting anti-social behaviour. Plans also include sanctions for loud music on public transport with notable support in London.
The proposed changes would grant authorities such as Transport for London the power to issue fixed penalty notices to people caught vaping in certain public areas. Under the new legislation, transport authorities will be able to impose fines of up to 100, which could increase to up to 1,000 if the fines remain unpaid. All fines will be issued at the discretion of authorities, and rules would apply to both open-air bus stops as well as enclosed shelters.
A Department for Transport spokesperson told The Mirror that the department will issue guidance that fines should only be issued as a last resort if initial warnings are ignored. Vaping advocates have criticised the move, claiming it is being quietly introduced under the guise of broader legislation aimed at improving bus services and cracking down on anti-social behaviour such as fare-dodging and smoking.
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