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Manchester bus stations to go smoke-free from Sunday

26/06/2007

All bus stations in Greater Manchester will be smoke-free from July 1st as the national ban on smoking in enclosed areas is enforced.

The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) has decided to go further than the ban requires and prohibit smoking on all of its premises, including the outdoor areas of bus stations.

From this Sunday, people caught smoking in smoke-free premises or on public transport could be given an on-the-spot fine of up to £50 or a £200 fine if the case goes to court.

GMPTE service delivery director Michael Renshaw said: "Smoking is already banned in the enclosed areas of the newer bus stations around Greater Manchester at Eccles, Hyde, Manchester Airport, Middleton, Oldham and Shudehill.

"But from July 1st we are extending this ban to all stations, indoors and out."

However, the ban will not be extended to the majority of the 4,000 smaller bus shelters in the city-region as they are not classed as either enclosed or substantially enclosed.

Earlier this week, health secretary Patricia Hewitt told ITV that when England goes smoke free on Sunday, it will be the "biggest step forward for public health since the seat-belt legislation of the 1970s".


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