In a bid to create a more enjoyable experience for visitors coming to Peterborough, the smoking-free zone in the bus station in Queensgate Shopping Centre has been extended to cover additional areas.

Queensgate Shopping Centre, in conjunction with Peterborough City Council, will be bringing in a wider ‘No-Smoking or Vaping’ policy across all areas inside and outside the bus station starting from 1 November.

The new smoking-free zone includes the walkway areas outside the canteen that are often used by drivers, plus the current exclusion areas inside the bus station and the ‘red-bricked’ areas around the station entrances and exits. New signage has been installed and external bins near bus stops have been removed as a deterrent.

It’s hoped that the smoking ban will help improve cleanliness at the station and reduce discarded cigarettes, as well as making it a more welcoming environment for visitors.

A spokesperson for Queensgate said: “We are continuously looking at ways to improve the visitor experience at Queensgate and the bus station is a key route for many people coming to the city centre. Our research shows that, although smoking is already not permitted in the bus station, there are still areas within close vicinity that create an unpleasant experience for some. By widening the no-smoking areas and providing smokers and vapers with a dedicated area, we hope this will create a more enjoyable experience for all.”

Councillor Dr Shabina Qayyum, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “We are fully committed to developing strong and sustainable communities and we can do this by making positive changes, such as working with Queensgate to extend this smoking ban.

“The bus station is a main transport hub for the city and for many people it’s the first thing they see on arrival here. As such, we want it to be as welcoming to passengers and visitors as possible and we are confident this measure will have a positive effect.”