Stubbing out bus smokers

Solihull Council and National Express West Midlands have joined up to rid the borough of nuisance passengers who continue to light up on buses. From February plain clothed bus inspectors will travel on buses around the borough to observe and identify passengers who ignore the no smoking rules.  For those caught smoking a £50 fixed penalty will be issued. Fixed penalties must be paid within 28 days but if paid within 14 days, a reduced amount of £30 applies.  The scheme is already working in Birmingham and Coventry with great success and there are hopes of expanding to other parts of the region soon. Tony Dallison, National Express West Midlands said: “Smoking on buses is not only illegal but unpleasant for other passengers. We take this kind of anti-social behaviour very seriously and are delighted to have joined forces with Solihull Council to stub out smoking for good.” Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Councillor Mrs Holl-Allen said: “Although most travellers abide by no smoking rules, some continue to disregard the law and disrupt the journeys of others. This project will punish those that offend, in the hope of achieving completely smoke-free public transport.” Passengers can also text details of smoking incidents directly on 07624 818332. Begin the text with the word ‘bus’ and then as much detail as possible, for example, the bus route, time and place. This information will be used to identify and target ‘hotspots’ for smoking on the bus network. For more information visit the Smokefree Solihull website page 

Published 1st February 2010