Train operator Northern is running a campaign to stop people vaping on trains and station platforms after receiving dozens of complaints over the last year.

Although vaping is banned on trains and stations, many surreptitious cases of vaping still occur.

Northern is now warning that these sly vapers will be asked to either stop vaping or leave the train.

The campaign comes as the train operator has received many complaints from customers who are fed up with inconsiderate behaviour by individuals who continue to vape in busy carriages and on station platforms.

Since April 2024, Northern has received complaints about vaping from 77 passengers, with 29 submitting written complaints and 59 using social media to raise their complaints with Northern.

A ban on vaping on board Northern’s trains or at any of its stations was introduced by Northern in 2014.

However, train crews report catching people ignoring the ban daily, and when they are asked to stop, some become rude and aggressive.

People often try to overcome the ban by hiding in the toilets to vape or blowing the vapour into footwells and carriage vestibules.

As well as irritating passengers, vaping can set off smoke alarms, which forces the train crew to halt the service temporarily while safety checks are carried out, with a consequent delay for everyone on board.

As well as the ban on vaping, it is also against the law to smoke on Northern trains and in its stations, and anyone caught doing so is liable to be prosecuted and fined.

Train operator Merseyrail has banned smoking at its stations since 2019.

If anyone witnesses any illegal activity on the railway network, they are asked to report it to British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

Vaping is not the only problem that causes customers to complain, as pigeons are becoming an increasing nuisance at stations.

“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.”

Matt Rice, Northern’s chief operating officer