Released 05/10/2017
To make catching public transport a more pleasant and healthy experience and to reduce the impact of second-hand smoke, all public transport waiting areas in the ACT are now smoke and vaping free.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing and Transport and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris said this had two positive effects – to improve people’s experiences of catching public transport and a major public health benefit by limiting the harmful effects of passive smoking.
“The health of Canberrans will always be a priority for the ACT Government and an important element of this is to reduce people’s exposure to tobacco smoking and second-hand smoke,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“Tobacco smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia. When in close proximity to someone who is smoking, bystanders can be exposed to harmful levels of second-hand smoke.
“Evidence also shows that smoke-free outdoor areas can reduce the exposure of children and young people to role-model smoking, and help to prevent the uptake of this addiction – another reason why Children’s play spaces were declared smoke-free areas in September 2016.
“Public transport waiting areas – bus stops, taxi ranks and bus and train stations, including the Jolimont Bus Station and the Canberra Train Station – are now designated as smoke-free areas. This means no smoking or vaping at public transport stations or within five metres of a bus or taxi stop.
“The smoking ban includes seating areas where people might wait for public transport such as a bus shelter, bench or any seating at a transport stop and our future light rail stops,” Minister Fitzharris said.
Other than at the Civic Bus Interchange, the smoking ban applies at all times even if public transport is not in operation and while an educative approach is preferred in enforcing this law, people may be fined for smoking in a declared smoke-free area.
Smoking will be permitted in Civic Bus Interchange between 11pm-6am in keeping with the city’s night traders’ indoor, smoke-free regulations.
If people are experiencing issues with someone smoking whilst awaiting transport they can contact Access Canberra on 132281 and seek assistance. Transport Canberra Officers can also be called upon to assist.
The ACT Government announced the decision to prohibit smoking in all ACT public transport waiting areas in June, following consultation with the community showing overwhelming support for the proposed change.
Further information on smoke-free public transport areas is at: www.health.act.gov.au/smokefree.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases