Spot on Support

Travel West Midlands is pleased to announce that local MP Gisela Stuart has joined the campaign for the introduction of on the spot fines for smoking on board bus services.MP Gisela Stuart wrote in support of the campaign to Hazel Blears the Home Office Minister with responsibility for anti-social behaviour issues.Phil Bateman Corporate Affairs Director said: "I am very pleased that the Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston has joined the campaign to get this initiative introduced."On the spot fines would quicken up the current procedures and would also allow other passengers to see instant justice being delivered."We contend that this action would be a great deterrent and would stop many people lighting up whilst travelling on local bus services."Travel West Midland have already written to the Under Secretary of State for Public Health Melanie Johnson MP. Who had asked the team writing the White Paper on ’Improving Health’ to deal with the issue.In 2003 an Early Day Motion attracted substantial support from Members of Parliament including local MP Ken Purchase from Wolverhampton North East.

Published 13th December 2004