Council crackdown on smoking on buses

Anti-social smokers who persist on flouting the law by smoking on public transport could now face an on the spot fine.

In a new initiative environmental health officers and the police will be helping bus inspectors crack down on bus routes with a high reported incidence of people smoking.

If officers discover smokers breaking the law by lighting up while on board they will issue a fixed penalty notice of £50 - which will be reduced to £30 if paid within 15 days.

The scheme will run from throughout the year with the aim of reducing and deterring the number of smokers causing a nuisance to other passengers.

Last week officers issued a £50 fine to a female passenger who admitted smoking while on a Stagecoach bus travelling to Belle Vue.

Councillor Jim Battle, deputy leader of Manchester City Council said:

"Having environmental health officers and the police working with bus inspectors will help reinforce the message that smoking will not be tolerated on our public transport.

"The crackdown will make smokers think twice before breaking the law and causing offence to other passengers.

"The initiative is a good example of how the council works collaboratively with its partners to reduce crime and tackle anti-social behaviour head on."

For further information please contact Environment on Call on 0161 954 9000