Merseyrail has announced a smoking ban at all stations on its network from 1 December.

From this date, passengers will not be allowed to smoke in any public areas of Merseyrail stations or platforms with the exception of car parks.

The move comes off the back of the national Stoptober campaign, and is part of Merseyrail’s commitment to cleaner air and the comfort of its passengers across the network.

Vaping and e-cigarettes are also included in the ban, and Merseyrail staff and Byelaw Enforcement Officers will be actively requesting passengers to stop smoking on platforms and other areas of stations from December.

Warnings will be issued to anyone smoking on platforms on 1 December, however those that continue may be fined from 1 January 2020.

Andy Heath, Managing Director of Merseyrail, said: “The comfort of passengers on our network is absolutely paramount to us, so I am pleased to announce a smoking ban across all of our stations and platforms.

“Those who wish to smoke will be able to do so in station car parks or off station property, however we want all passengers to be able to use our trains and stations comfortably and without the risks of passive smoking, such as lung cancer, asthma and pneumonia.”