Police will have the power to fine smokers who defy bans at bus and taxi stops, ferry wharves, railway and light rail stations under anti-smoking legislation from this weekend.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
Until now, just 30 health inspectors were tasked with issuing $550 on the spot fines for smoking in public places across NSW.
Opposition health spokesman Andrew McDonald said few smokers had been caught, because there weren't enough health inspectors enforcing the Smoke Free Environment Act.
He welcomed the shift in responsibility to police, which would reduce the burden on the health system.
"Lots of people are still smoking on trains. It is legislation that hasn't been properly enforced and that is why people are still smoking," he said.
Health Minister Jillian Skinner amended the law on Friday, without a public announcement.
"Under the amendment, powers were given to the Police to enforce smoke-free bans in relation to transport areas," said a health department spokeswoman.
Only about 100 fines had been issued by health inspectors under the law which greatly expanded the public places where smoking was banned in January 2013. Most of the 5178 smokers fined in the past year were caught under public transport laws.
Smoking is banned within four metres of a public building entrance, within 10 metres of a children's playground, at sports grounds and public transport stops.
