Since October 2020, stations and platforms in the Netherlands have been officially smoke-free.
This measure, which has been implemented by both ProRail and the Dutch Railways (NS), is clearly communicated via the house rules signs at the stations. Despite these efforts, it appears that not all passengers are aware of the smoking ban, and that the use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, also falls under this ban. To reinforce this message, ProRail and NS are launching a new awareness campaign.
Smoking and vape use have been a topic of discussion in public spaces for years, and stations were no exception. The smoking ban on platforms and in station buildings is in line with the broader societal drive for a smoke-free environment. An important step in this direction was the decision to no longer sell tobacco products at stations. With this measure, ProRail and NS are meeting the wishes of a vast majority of travelers who advocate a smoke-free travel environment. In addition, both organizations support the government's ambition to realize a smoke-free generation by 2040.
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The necessity of the campaign is evident from the fact that not all travellers are aware of the smoking ban. The use of vapes in particular leads to confusion, as some users think that they are not covered by the smoking ban. Wouter Koolmees, CEO of NS, emphasises the importance of the campaign: “Three quarters of Dutch people take it for granted that smoking is not allowed. That is a great development! Smoking has been banned at stations since 2020, and this increasingly also applies to station squares. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of this yet, but I hope that this campaign will ensure that everyone will soon understand that smoking at and around stations is no longer normal.”
The campaign, which will start in September, will be visible in various places, including stations, on trains and on social media. The action is part of the broader campaign of the Smoke-Free Generation, an initiative of the Dutch Heart Foundation, KWF and the Longfonds, which is part of the collaboration Health Funds for Smoke-Free. This campaign, which started in July of this year, focuses on children and young adults who are part of the so-called Smoke-Free Generation team.
The movement towards a smoke-free generation is increasingly supported by both government policy and social organizations. The smoke-free policy of ProRail and NS is a concrete example of how large organizations can contribute to this goal. By establishing smoke-free zones at all stations and stopping the sale of tobacco products, they not only create a healthier travel environment, but also contribute to the normalization of smoke-free behavior in general.
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These developments fit within a broader framework of initiatives aimed at promoting public health. The aim of a smoke-free generation by 2040 is an ambitious goal that depends not only on regulations, but also on awareness and social support. Campaigns such as those of ProRail and NS are trying to further denormalise smoking and bring the health risks to the attention of a broad public.
The impact of these campaigns will become apparent in the coming years, but it is clear that the smoke-free zones at the stations are an important step towards a healthier future. With the support of prominent figures such as Wouter Koolmees and the commitment of health organisations, the path to a smoke-free generation seems to be becoming wider and more accessible. It is expected that as more people become aware of the smoking ban at stations, compliance will also increase, which will ultimately contribute to the success of the broader smoke-free movement.
