Greater Anglia warns against smoking and vaping on trains

Greater Anglia is reminding rail passengers not to smoke or vape on trains following several incidents which have inconvenienced customers and caused costly delays.

In the last 12 months, there have been 77 incidents across the network where people have been caught smoking or vaping on board.

These have led to a total of more than 774 minutes of delays, as staff deal with the incidents, causing great inconvenience to customers and costing Greater Anglia almost £30,000.

Matt Wakefield, Greater Anglia head of safety, security and sustainability, said:

"It’s very disappointing that some passengers are smoking on our trains and at our stations.

"This anti-social behaviour leads to delays which affect everyone else travelling on our trains, who may be travelling to work, school, for hospital appointments or to meet family and friends.

"We will not hesitate to take action, such as removing them from our trains or stations, or reporting them to the British Transport Police if we catch anyone smoking or vaping.

"I’d appeal to any passenger who suspects someone is smoking or vaping on their train or at a station to report it to the British Transport Police by texting 61016."

Greater Anglia has "No smoking" signs displayed on trains and stations. There are also announcements on trains and stations reminding passengers that smoking and vaping is not permitted.

Trains and stations right across the UK rail network are covered by no smoking laws banning smoking and vaping in enclosed public spaces across the country.