Parliament is considering a law which bans vaping at bus stops across the UK. The legislation currently being considered would see bus stops becoming a designated public space in which vaping is not allowed. Anyone caught could be fined at least £100 and local transport authorities would be permitted to distribute these penalties. Following this news, Survation decided to poll 2,150 adults across the UK about what they think of banning vaping at bus stops and the potential size of the fine.

Two thirds of the public said that banning vaping at bus stops is a good idea. Out of all the age groups, over 65s and 25-34 year olds were most likely to think this, at 77% and 68% respectively. Of all regions, residents of Wales (71%) shared this opinion the most. Similar proportions of Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrats voters at the 2024 general election find it an acceptable measure (69-72%). A fifth of respondents sided with the contrasting statement that banning vaping at bus stops is not a good idea. It is not surprising that 18-24s were most likely to think this (37%) since they were least likely to select the first statement, though the majority still think it is an acceptable measure to take (53%). Pushback against the idea was shown by a quarter of Scotland and the South of England, the highest of all regions.

The proposed changes state that vapers could be fined, though this would be a last resort. Amidst concerns that the fine is too severe, we asked the public what they thought. Over half of the public believe it isn’t harsh to fine people who continue to vape at bus stops £100 if they ignore formal warnings issued to them previously. Again, respondents aged 65 and over were most likely to share this sentiment, however this time 25-44 year olds were least likely to. Over three fifths of Conservative and Reform voters at the last general election don’t think it’s harsh, 7% lower than that of Labour and Liberal Democrats voters.

Our survey shows that despite criticism about the pending action to prevent vaping at bus stops, the figures are much in favour of both the ban and handing out fines of £100 after persistent ignorance of warnings. It’s worth noting that there was no mention of the government’s plans when the questions were put to respondents. It therefore is possible that opinions will change if the public were to know that the government is considering a nationwide ban on bus stop vaping. The public might not know it but for now it seems they are on the government’s side.

GET THE DATA.

Survation conducted an online poll of 2,151 adults aged 18+ in the UK on their opinions towards prohibiting vaping at bus stops. Fieldwork was conducted between 28th August– 1st September 2025. Tables are available here.

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