Rail firm to ban smoking anywhere at its stations

Passengers on one of London's busiest train lines will be banned from smoking on all platforms.

The move will come into force on 1 July to coincide with a government ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces.

Southeastern, which operate trains to and from London, Kent and East Sussex, said the move was in response to "overwhelming" support from its passengers.

A spokeswoman said: "Today is No Smoking Day so we have posters up announcing our support for that.

"From the 1 July when the government ban comes in we are going even further and will be a completely smoke-free service.

"This is really in response to passenger feedback. We have received so many complaints from people who are unhappy and the feedback is overwhelmingly in favour of actually stopping smoking completely at our stations, including the full length of the platforms."

Southeastern operates some of London's most heavily used commuter trains, serving 178 stations. Most run to or from Charing Cross, Blackfriars, Cannon Street or Victoria.

From 1 July, pubs and restaurants will have to display prominent "no smoking" signs around their premises, as the ban comes into effect.

The legislation bans smoking in enclosed public places, so many unsheltered platforms at railway stations would be exempt.