Smoke ban stops short

THE Public Transport Users Association has backed moves to ban smoking under covered areas on train platforms, tram stops and bus stops.
But PTUA Outer East branch convenor Alex Makin stopped short of calling for total smoking bans on all areas of train platforms.
“Generally, it’s our belief that smokers need to be courteous to other passengers.
“There is a trend to ban smoking at all public areas, but at the end of the day, the best way to keep all parties happy is for smokers to show common courtesy.
“This is particularly important during peak hours when these areas are crowded.”
Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said the new legislation would come into effect in March.
“By March next year smoking in any covered area at a public train platform, tram stop or bus stop will be banned,” Ms Pike said.
“This will bring Victoria into line with similar bans in New South Wales and the Northern Territory.”