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E-cigarettes have been banned on the entire public transport network in London, the Standard has learnt.

Passengers face fines for “vaping” on Tube, trains and buses as well as stations, platforms and depots.

Transport for London implemented the ban in late August without any public announcement to minimise the response from passengers.

Although e-cigarettes were previously forbidden on the Tube, by changing the "conditions of carriage" it has now been extended to all TfL premises.

Item 4.5 states: "For safety reasons, on our buses and trains and in our bus and Underground stations you must not smoke or use an electronic cigarette ('vape') ...You may be prosecuted for disobeying these requirements."

TfL insist it has had no issues with passengers over the rule change.

Offenders are given a verbal warning by staff and can be fined for a repeat offence although none have been issued so far.

It is hoped the main benefit will be to eradicate the small numbers of e -smokers who use bus depots to shelter while smoking.

London Underground has a no smoking policy across the network which was introduced following the King’s Cross fire in 1987. Over time the majority of TfL/LU’s customers have become accustomed to this policy although they are reminded of it audibly via PA or visually through signage.

Since 1 July 2007 the Smoke Free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006 came into effect which meant that all public places and workplaces became smoke free with a limited number of exceptions.

Jill Collis, Director of Health, Safety & Environment:

“The full inclusion was brought in this August to remove potential for confusion and allow staff to approach any customer either smoking or using an Electronic Smoking Device with confidence, ensuring that the No Smoking ban is fully enforced.

"This would mitigate any residual potential fire risk and reduce the potential for staff assault by providing clarity and consistency in the treatment of all customers using our services.”

The ban does not apply to vaping at bus stops as TfL does not have authority over these spaces.