Request ID: FOI-1087-2425 Date published: 31 July 2024
You asked
Can you share a breakdown of complaints related to vaping on public transport by number per month since January 2023?
Is TfL aware of this increasing issue from complaints or by other means and if so what has TfL done to address this?
One route to help reduce anti-social behaviour is to ensure everyone enters, for example, the bus with a valid ticket. What is TfL doing to ensure, for example, young people only take the bus with their 11-16 oyster card? There seems to be a correlation between those that enter without it and who then go on to vape or litter i.e. intentionally avoid using it to be tracked. Alternatively, their oyster may be being used by another person which is another form of anti-social behaviour.
There are limited reasons for young people not to use their oyster. However, in another FOI it was mentioned that there were around 2000+ 11-16 oyster applications open a couple of months ago, which seemed quite high for the time of year. Is there an explanation for this high number and what are young people supposed to do in the interim to use public transport.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-1087-2425/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 3 July 2024 asking for information about vaping complaints.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
Please see the table below showing the number of complaints related to vaping on public transport by number per month since January 2023. We have included those incidents which were not recorded as complaints, as the category used can be considered subjective.
Year/Month
Complaint
Safety issues and incidents
Total
2023 Jan
14
3
17
2023 Feb
10
4
14
2023 Mar
8
1
9
2023 Apr
12
1
13
2023 May
15
3
18
2023 Jun
18
1
19
2023 Jul
11
2
13
2023 Aug
10
1
11
2023 Sep
16
16
2023 Oct
17
4
21
2023 Nov
15
2
17
2023 Dec
11
4
15
2024 Jan
22
3
25
2024 Feb
12
1
13
2024 Mar
9
3
12
2024 Apr
13
2
15
2024 May
19
3
22
2024 Jun
16
16
2024 Jul
5
5
Total
253
38
291
The use of e-cigarettes and vapes is prohibited across all of our premises and services. Our staff, where safe to do so, will ask offenders to either stop or leave the station/service. Police will also be called to deal with offenders who refuse to cooperate, are abusive, or threaten our staff and other customers. This also applies to the consumption of alcohol on our services. Our approach to fare evasion (using an oyster that doesn’t belong to you) takes a slightly different, intelligence-led approach as revenue from fares is vital for investment in safe, clean and reliable public transport. We would encourage our customers to consider their own safety and report incidents to station staff, rather than confront offenders themselves.
Although there has been a small increase in crime over the last financial year, overall, London’s public transport network remains a safe, low crime environment. We are committed to tackling the increase in crime and antisocial behaviour, which is in part due to more incidents of low-level violence, public order offences and theft, particularly across the rail network. It also reflects the increase in reporting seen nationally and the introduction of text based reporting.
Also, the Metropolitan Police Service receives funding from TfL to provide policing services for the network. We fund around 3,000 officers dedicated to policing our transport network, in order to keep everyone safe. Some of the key measures we’re using include high visibility policing and targeted action against offenders combined with our travel demand management and communications activities to encourage improved passenger behaviour. Antisocial behaviour can be tricky as our enforcement teams have to witness it to enforce it and when they are present people are more likely to be compliant. Witnesses should report any antisocial behaviour on TfL services to us through our website via the following link: https://tfl.gov.uk/help-and-contact/report-criminal-damage-or-antisocial-behaviour. As much evidence and detail as possible should be provided as this could help lead to a successful prosecution. TfL will also use this data to build on intelligence and inform tasking and deployment of Operations Officers in an attempt to deter the antisocial behaviour. We are also working with the BTP on targeted action plans, which focus on priority transport hubs which have seen the largest volume of offences. We continue to ask anyone who experiences or witnesses a crime to report it as quickly as possible, so offenders can be brought to justice.
Zip Oyster photocard holders must behave considerately and in such a way that does not adversely affect fellow passengers.
All 11-15 and 16+ Zip Oyster photocard cardholders must agree to and follow a Young Person's Behaviour Code which forms part of the Zip scheme terms and conditions. The parent/guardian applying on behalf of their child is expected to ensure that the photocard holder is aware of and adheres to the behaviour code.
TfL also works closely with schools and others to ensure that young people use their cards in the right way adhering to the behaviour code. Where it is not adhered to, the cardholder may lose the travel concession or Zip Oyster photocard. More information can be found here on our website https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/rules-of-travel-for-under-18s
Only young people with a valid Zip Oyster photocard may travel for free where eligible. Where a child doesn’t have their photocard with them, then they need to pay for their travel. TfL has processes in place to ensure children and other young vulnerable passengers travel safely.
We generally receive and process in the region of 11,000 Zip Oyster applications per month. The current application numbers for Zip Oyster photocards are in line with what is expected.
Please let me know if this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Graham Hurt FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
