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22
Jan
Vapers could be thrown off Harrogate line trains, warns Northern
Train operator Northern has warned vapers they could be ordered off trains.
The company, which runs services through Harrogate and Knaresborough on the York to Leeds line, said in a media release today it had “received dozens of complaints over the last year from customers who are fed up of inconsiderate individuals vaping in busy carriages and on station platforms”.
It added 77 passengers have raised concerns about vaping in post-journey surveys since April 2024 and 29 have submitted written complaints. Another 59 have complained to Northern on social media.
Vaping has been banned on Northern services and stations since 2014.
But the company said traincrew catch people ignoring this daily and some become rude and aggressive when asked to stop.
Some attempt to hide their habit by vaping in the toilets or blowing the vapour into footwells and carriage vestibules.
Vaping can set off smoke alarms, as well as annoy other customers.
Matt Rice, chief operating officer at Northern, which is the country's second largest train operator, said:
We want to be clear that vaping is not permitted on our trains or at any of our stations. Those who are caught vaping may be asked to leave the train by a member of staff and we will not tolerate any abusive or aggressive reactions.
It is also against the law to smoke on Northern trains and in its stations.
Northern urged anyone who witnessed illegal activity on its trains or at stations to report it to British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800405040.
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