Your Harrogate Radio

7:00pm - 8:00am

Email the studio

Dire Straits

Sultans Of Swing

Listen Live

Train operator sends out warning to 'sly vapers'

Tuesday, 21 January 2025 08:34

People found to be vaping on Northern trains risk being told to leave.

Train operator Northern is warning 'sly vapers' they may be told to leave the train if they are caught.

Northern said it has received dozens of complaints over the last year from customers who are fed up of "inconsiderate" individuals vaping in busy carriages and on station platforms.

Seventy-seven passengers have raised concerns about vaping in post-journey surveys since April 2024 and 29 have submitted written complaints.

Another 59 have made complaints to Northern on social media.

Vaping has not been permitted on board Northern services or at any of its stations since a ban was introduced in 2014.

But members of Northern’s traincrew say they catch people ignoring this rule on a daily basis and some become rude and aggressive when they are asked to stop.

They have also seen people make poor attempts at hiding their vaping by doing it in the toilets or blowing the vapour into footwells and carriage vestibules.

Vaping irritates passengers and can set off smoke alarms, forcing the traincrew to temporarily halt the service and delay everyone on board while safety checks are carried out.

Matt Rice, Northern’s chief operating officer, said:

“We want to be clear that vaping is not permitted on our trains or at any of our stations.

“We are encouraging people who travel on our services to be considerate of others so everyone can enjoy a pleasant journey.

“Those who are caught vaping may be asked to leave the train by a member of staff and we will not tolerate any abusive or aggressive reactions.”

It is also against the law to smoke on Northern trains and in its stations. Those who are caught can be prosecuted and fined.

People who witness any illegal activity are encouraged to report it to British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

More from Local News

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP marks 20,000th case

The office of Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has processed its 20,000th piece of casework.
Flavours of Autumn festival to be held at RHS Harlow Carr

A celebration of seasonal food and homegrown produce is coming to RHS Garden Harlow Carr this weekend.
Le Creuset cookware sale returns to Harrogate

Le Creuset is bringing its biggest UK Factory to Table Sale back to Harrogate later this month.
Council pension fund breaches could be reported to regulator

North Yorkshire councillors are to consider whether a series of breaches involving the county’s pension fund should be reported to the Pensions Regulator.
Volunteers invited to help spruce up Harrogate town centre

Volunteers are being invited to help spruce up Harrogate town centre as part of a new four-day initiative.
Police appeal after three overnight burglaries in Nidderdale

Police have launched an appeal following three overnight burglaries in Nidderdale.
Driver admits drink-driving following fatal Pateley Bridge collision

A driver has admitted being over the alcohol limit following a collision which killed 19-year-old Bailey Chadwick near Pateley Bridge.
Harrogate community groups invited to apply for share of £74,000

Community groups and charities in Harrogate are being invited to apply for a share of more than £74,000 in grant funding.
North Yorkshire Council-owned housing company forecast to lose another £5.8m

North Yorkshire Council's housebuilding company is forecast to make a further £5.8m loss this year, with its financial problems wiping out profits generated elsewhere in the authority’s Brierley Group.
New York rock band to play intimate Harrogate show

New York hard rock band Spread Eagle will perform in Harrogate as part of its latest UK tour.
First rides announced for Harrogate Indoor Funfair

The first rides have been announced ahead of the return of Harrogate Indoor Funfair.
Knaresborough puzzle campaign aims to tackle loneliness

People in Knaresborough are being asked to donate unwanted puzzles and games to help tackle loneliness among older residents.
Cricket pavilion destroyed by fire at Studley Royal

A cricket pavilion in the grounds of Studley Royal has been completely destroyed by fire.
Ripon MP urges Prime Minister to scrap 'Family Farm Tax'

Ripon and Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith has urged the Prime Minister to reverse planned inheritance tax changes affecting family farms.
Artisan markets return to Knaresborough and Harrogate this weekend

Little Bird Made will bring its artisan markets back to Knaresborough and Harrogate this weekend.
Harrogate MP calls for VAT cut to support hospitality businesses

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has called for a cut in VAT to support local hospitality businesses.
CCTV appeal following assault at Harrogate Tesco

Police have released a CCTV image of a person they would like to speak to following an alleged assault in Harrogate.
Council criticised over Knaresborough EE signal delays

North Yorkshire Council has been criticised after failing to provide a target date for resolving ongoing EE signal problems in Knaresborough.
Prime Minister praises Harrogate MP over disabled bus pass win

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has been praised by the Prime Minister for his campaign to remove time restrictions from disabled bus passes.
Harrogate Town sign Torquay defender Sam Dreyer

Harrogate Town have signed Torquay United centre-back Sam Dreyer for an undisclosed fee.