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Smoking to be banned in London playground

A London borough is to introduce a smoking ban in children's play areas. The plan is thought to be the first of its kind in the capital and supporters say it ensures fresh air for children as they play.

Liberal Democrat councillor Bruce Glithero led the push for a ban, which was approved by Sutton council. He said: "As the father of four daughters we often like to go to the park, but recently I was sitting at the side of the sandpit when I turned around to see one of my four-year-old twins spluttering. At first I thought she had swallowed some sand, but then I realised she was coughing because smoke from a woman sitting nearby was blowing directly into her face."

"The main reason people go to the park is to enjoy some fresh air, and this move aims to protect that."

The scheme will be trialed at Beddington Park and supporters hope it will be extended across the borough.

Signs will inform smokers of the new rules, which will be enforced by Safer Neighbourhood Teams. But the ban will not be legally enforceable and so will rely on public co-operation.

Tory councillors claim the cost of the signage for the trial alone will be around £860 of public money. Councillor Marion Williams said, "At heart this is well-intentioned but it is actually unenforcable and expensive. The funding for these very expensive signs should be better spent on improving playground facilities."

But a similar scheme in Exeter has already been hailed a success. In October last year 50 no smoking signs were put up across the city and officials say smokers have complied.

Source: Evening Standard, 21st February 2008
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