Smokers to be banned from lighting up in playgrounds

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 backers say it ensures fresh air for children as they play.

But critics say the scheme will be unenforceable.

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. It seemed so unfair.

"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 trialled at Beddington Park. Backers 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 have to 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 quite daft, unenforcable and expensive. The funding for these very expensive signs should be better spent on improving playground facilities.

"Also the suggestion that local police teams could be asked to help enforce this is nonsense. Some of my business contacts tell me that parents are reluctant to challenge others if they're smoking in the area, and that some children are no longer being taken to the playground at all, therefore missing out on the exercise and activity entirely.

"We wish the Lib-Dems who approved this would use their common sense rather than trying to ban things wholesale. What is the point of spending money on signs which have no real power?"

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.

The move is not the first time Sutton council has tried to restrict smoking. In 2006 councillors tried to stop people lighting up in their own homes.

Under the proposal, council tenants would not have been allowed to smoke while being visited by health workers and staff such as those delivering meals on wheels. But the council withdrew the plan in the face of fierce opposition.