Electronic cigarette policy reviewed as popularity increases
By Amie Hickland | September 9, 2013
As the popularity of electronic cigarettes rises, TransLink is reviewing its policies to make it clear no form of smoking is allowed on buses.
Under section 128 (1) of the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Regulation 2005, a passenger must not smoke in a public passenger vehicle, according to a TransLink spokesperson.
Although there are no recorded incidents where commuters have been found using e-cigarettes on buses, members of the Queensland Bus Industry Council have recently experienced the use of e-cigarettes.
“As an e-cigarette produces a visible vapour, TransLink takes the position that the smoking of an e-cigarette is subject to the regulation and is not permitted on any public transport vehicle, including buses,” says a spokesperson.
In the 2011/12 financial year, officers handed out 1195 smoking-related fines.
They have so far handed out more than 400 fines this calendar year.
“TransLink senior network officers, transit officers and rail-squad police have the authority to issue infringement notices to those found smoking in smoke free areas,” they say.
The organisation will review its currently policy on smoking to ensure the position on e-cigarettes is clear.