Vapers across the UK could soon be fined up to £100 for using vapes at bus stops, under new powers being considered by Parliament.
The proposed changes would give local transport authorities, such as Transport for London, the right to issue fixed penalty notices to people caught vaping in certain public areas.
While vaping is already banned on buses and in stations, the law typically hasn’t extended to outdoor bus stops.
Fines could escalate to £1,000
Under the new legislation, transport bodies would have discretion to set fine amounts up to £100. If unpaid, those fines could escalate to as much as £1,000. Crucially, the rule could apply even to open-air stops, not just enclosed shelters.
Vaping advocates argue the measure is being quietly slipped in under broader legislation aimed at improving bus services and curbing anti-social behaviour, such as fare-dodging and smoking.
Shadow Housing Secretary Kevin Hollinrake said: “The Government is trying to crack down on vaping without being upfront about it. It’s giving puffed-up mayors like Sadiq Khan more power to mess with people’s daily routines.”
Move follows other controversial policies
The change comes on the heels of other controversial policies. A nationwide ban on disposable vapes took effect last month. The government has said anyone caught breaking the rules will face fines of up to £600 under household waste disposal rules, and shops caught selling single-use devices could be hit with an even bigger £6,000 fine.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill is set to prohibit anyone born after January 2009 from ever purchasing cigarettes legally.
Vape crackdown
It will also introduce tough new restrictions on vapes. Measures include a ban on vape flavours that are considered to have “youth appeal” such as cotton candy and bubble gum. However it will also outlaw fruit flavours, which are the most popular among smokers trying to quit.
Vapes will be required to have plain packaging and shops must move them out of sight of children and away from products that might appeal to them. Advertising and sponsorship of vapes, as well as selling them in vending machines, will also be banned.
In January, a railway boss warned train passengers caught vaping could be thrown off at the next stop and face possible fines and prosecution. Northern Trains, one of the largest train operators in the UK, issued a harsh new warning to “sly vapers” that they will be punished if caught.
Chief operating officer Matt Rice said: “We want to be clear that vaping is not permitted on our trains or at any of our stations.”
Rejection of ‘hidden vape war’ claim
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport rejected claims the latest move represents a hidden war on vaping. “The suggestion these measures amount to a stealth vaping ban is totally false,” he said.
He added that guidance would make it clear that fines should only be issued after initial warnings are ignored.
