Vapers could be 'removed' from trains - operator

Northern staff say they catch passengers vaping on a daily basis

One of the largest train operators in the UK is warning passengers who vape on its services could face removal and possible fines and prosecution.

Although vaping has been banned from Northern trains and its stations since 2014, the operator said it still received dozens of complaints over the last year from customers who were fed up of inconsiderate vapers.

Members of Northern's train crews said they caught people ignoring the rule on a daily basis with some passengers even becoming rude and aggressive when asked to stop.

Matt Rice, Northern's chief operating officer, said: "We want to be clear that vaping is not permitted on our trains or at any of our stations."

The operator warns that vaping can cause journey delays when smoke alarms are triggered forcing crew to carry out safety checks

Since April 2024, 77 passengers have raised concerns about vaping in post-journey surveys and 29 have submitted written complaints. Another 59 have made complaints to Northern on social media.

Northern staff have seen customers hiding their habit by vaping in the toilets or blowing the vapour into footwells and carriage vestibules.

The operator warned that vaping could cause journey delays when smoke alarms were triggered, forcing crew to temporarily halt the service while safety checks are carried out.

Mr Rice has now encouraged people to be "considerate" towards their fellow passengers.

"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," he said.

People who witness any illegal activity have been encouraged to report it to British Transport Police.

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