Junk food adverts banned on Metro trains

Adverts for unhealthy food will be banned on the train network from December

Junk food adverts are being banned across the Tyne and Wear Metro network.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has enforced the ban after she backed celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's campaign to limit ads for unhealthy food in public places.

It will come into effect on 1 December across the network's 60 stations and its entire fleet of trains.

McGuinness said the days of targeting children with "predatory adverts" for unhealthy food and drink were over.

"I want parents to know their children will be protected from adverts for burgers, sweets and fizzy drinks," she said.

"This is us sending a clear message to junk food companies - enough is enough."

Kim McGuinness said the ban will protect children from adverts for unhealthy food

Transport for London issued a similar ban in 2019 which research claimed led to almost 10,000 fewer cases of obesity and prevented nearly 3,000 cases of diabetes.

However, some academics disputed the results of the study, with one calling it "junk science".

The North East Combined Authority said its new rules will align with the government's ban of junk food adverts on TV before the watershed, which will come into force next year.

Helen Matthews, commercial director of the network's operator Nexus, said by only allowing healthy food to be advertised the company was playing its part in "making our region healthier".

The ban will cover advertising on infrastructure owned and operated by Nexus, including the Shields Ferry and selected billboard sites alongside Metro lines.

Small independent businesses, such as local restaurants, will be exempt from the restrictions.