Station is smoke-free zone from January 1
Rules apply to inside and outside areas of bus hub
Stirling Bus Station will become a smoke-free zone from January 1.
Councillors approved amendments to the management rules for the bus station to incorporate a total prohibition of smoking - inside and out - at a recent meeting of the full council.
The management rules cover the entire station – interior and exterior – and additionally prohibit many forms of anti-social behaviour. Council employees working at the bus station are also empowered to expel/exclude persons who breach or are about to breach the rules.
The existing rules came into effect on December 22, 2009 and expired on December 21, 2019. These were extended for six months at a council meeting in December last year to allow for a period of review, however the review was delayed by Covid-19.
The principle change from 2021 onwards covers the prohibition of smoking at the station.
Environment and housing convener Councillor Jim Thomson said: “I’m sure residents and visitors using the station will find it a much more welcoming environment for travel with this change.
“Shared spaces such as shelters and walkways should be safe, healthy spaces, and stubbing out smoking will bring improved air quality and reduce littering caused by discarded cigarettes.
“It was a logical step to update the rules and make the station a safer environment for all.”
Vice convener Councillor Danny Gibson added: “The bus station is one of the first things people will see when they visit Stirling, and it’s also a vital transport hub for residents who work or need to travel outwith Stirling city centre. It makes sense to do what we can to ensure the bus station is as safe, healthy and welcoming an environment as possible.”
The Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005 as supplemented by the Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises (Scotland) Regulations 2006 prohibits smoking in premises including airport passenger terminals and any other public transportation facilities which are wholly or substantially enclosed.
In Stirling Bus Station, the only locations required to prohibit smoking under legislation are the wholly enclosed areas contained within the buildings.
However, Section 112 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 gives the council powers to make management rules to regulate the use of, and the conduct of persons while on or in, any land or premises which the council owns, occupies or manages and to which the public have access. The no-smoking policy will cover areas not just within the buildings but the areas covered by the bus shelter canopies and the forecourt.