Smoking banned on trains

2004-06-30 15:16

Cape Town - Metrorail warned commuters on Wednesday that if they smoke on trains they were liable for prosecution under the Legal Succession Act of 1989.

Metrorail said in a statement that the act makes it an offence to smoke "in any place, train or passenger coach under the control of Metrorail where a notice forbidding smoking is displayed".

According to Metrorail's acting chief executive, Kevin Moonsamy, the company enforced the no smoking rule on trains and stations, despite limited resources.

Moonsamy said a public prosecutor has been permanently assigned to deal with railway offences.

There was an effort to reduce the number of offences committed on trains and to improve the overall safety and comfort of passengers.

Metrorail has been assigned court time in Mitchell's Plain, Wynberg, Athlone, Goodwood, Bellville, Paarl, Blue Downs and Cape Town to deal with rail-related offenders.

"We should stress that these actions are not meant to be punitive in nature, but rather measures taken in the interests of promoting a healthier and safer commuting environment for all our customers," said Moonsamy.

He said Metrorail would continue to post signs on trains and raise awareness of smoke-free zones "with the resources at its disposal".

Moonsamy said Metrorail has held discussions with both the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the City of Cape Town's health department to clarify its stance on the matter.

- SAPA