The Riga City Council prohibits smoking at public transport stops under the threat of a fine. However, it has installed trash bins with ashtrays at the stops (see photo).
Is this being done to lure residents and collect more fines? And, by the way, what is the fine for smoking at a bus stop? Reader bb.lv.
Answers from the project coordinator of the external communication department of the Riga municipality, Mārtiņš Vīlēmsons:
– Smoking at public transport stops may result in a warning or a monetary fine of up to 100 euros.
At the same time, it is important to understand that the presence of bins with compartments for disposing of cigarette butts cannot be interpreted as an invitation to commit this violation. Smokers are simply given the opportunity to step away from the stop and smoke a cigarette where it will not disturb others, and then return and dispose of the butt in the bin.
Important point: The responsibility for smoking applies only to stops equipped with a shelter. Smoking is allowed at stops without a shelter, provided it does not disturb others.
Bins for disposal with compartments for cigarette butts at stops are installed to reduce environmental pollution, as cigarette butts are one of the most common types of waste in urban areas and decompose very poorly in nature. Ashtrays allow smokers who are outside the shelter (at the stop but not under the shelter) to properly dispose of their butts instead of throwing them on the ground, sidewalk, or nearby flower beds. Additionally, the ability to properly dispose of butts increases fire safety, as a not fully extinguished butt can ignite in certain environments (for example, on dry paper, in dry grass, etc.).
It should be noted that this year the Riga municipal police have not received any reports related to smoking at public transport stops.
