PASSENGERS will soon be banned from smoking at all Merseyrail stations and platforms.

From December 1, Merseyrail passengers will not be allowed to smoke in any public areas of stations or platforms with the exception of car parks.

The move comes after a national Stoptober campaign and Merseyrail say it is part of their commitment to cleaner air and comfort of its passengers across the network.

Vaping and e-cigarettes are also included in the ban with warnings being issued to anyone smoking on platforms from December 1.

Anyone continuing to smoke from January 1, 2020 could then be fined.

Byelaw Enforcement Officers and Merseyrail staff will be there to enforce the ban.

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.”