Should I pay ?

Sukatoko

I agree it a bit harsh to get a £50 fine, when you did not realise you were doing wrong. Then when you did you did the right thing. The law is not designed to be fair though. Its designed to keep the rich, rich and protect the status quo(not the band:-)) Try parking anywhere near the hospital. I got a ticket for taking a kid to accident and emergency at a sick kids hospital. The traffic wardens were standing opposite the front door waiting for people.

I think you are stuck with paying, but take the money out of your smoking budget.

That will teach you for using public transport:-)

Heliflyguy

Anihilator wrote: »

Honesty ma lord I shouldnt be found guilty. I havent been in a train in years and there was no signs telling me not to murder folk.
Smoking is illegal in public places. This includes train stations. It isnt there fault your ignorant of the laws in this country.

At least get your facts right before taking the mick.

Smoking in all indoor public places is banned. Many places - such as cinemas and public transport - have rarely permitted smoking in recent years, and now places like pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and private members' clubs will not be able to permit customers to smoke inside.
You also can't smoke in offices or any workplace; except if you work by yourself. You can't smoke in a company vehicle that is used by several people; even if they are not in it at the time.
Smoking is still be banned at certain outdoor locations that are 'substantially enclosed', such as football grounds and covered walkways. It is also banned on all parts of a railway station, even open-air platforms.

I expect that the OP had no intention of breaking the law or forcing other people to breath in smoke and made an honest but unfortunate mistake.
Smokers now have a duty to ensure that they follow the law and quite right too but the station also has a responsibilty to ensure that customers are aware that the law exists, are tourists suposed to know the law?
OP you will have to pay as you have broken the law, you will also have to put up with being berated and put down by sanctimonious non smokers as well.

hippyadam

Mark_Hewitt wrote: »

There really is no defence, you've committed a crime and best thing is offer the £50 and hope they take it.

Seconded. Best telephone voice on...

Tozer

I think we are missing the point here. The OP has committed an offence. But it is not up to the enforcement officers to determine how much the fine is.

That is prescribed by law. There should be no hoping that they will take the £50. If that is the fine, then the OP should pay it. It may be less as it has been dealt with by fixed penalty notice which may well give a discount for prompt payment.

Blacksheep1979

you can afford to smoke you can afford to pay the fine.

neilmcl

Heliflyguy wrote: »

but the station also has a responsibilty to ensure that customers are aware that the law exists, are tourists suposed to know the law?

I'm sure it does. Just because the OP failed to see a No Smoking sign doesn't mean they weren't there.

lucky11_2

Amy, unfortunately the legalities of lighting up can be very confusing - open spaces, public places, 25 yards from a doorway etc etc etc - you were in an open space, assured you were ok to smoke and you put your fag out when you were informed of the rules - you made a mistake, we all do it! Sadly some people will always come down harder on you simply for being a smoker. I think you should get this man's name and involve him directly in a complaint to the company, if he follows his company rules so strictly as to report you for your 'offence' then he should also know exactly what the penalties are to inform you correctly!

ses6jwg

lol @ smoking then moaning you won't have enough money for your kids at Xmas.

Smoking is probably one of the most selfish things you can do if you have kids.

malkie76

As harsh as it sounds I do agree that stopping smoking can save a huge amount of money, even if you are a moderate/occasional smoker.

You've done something wrong and been caught doing it - there are no 'loopholes', you need to pay the fine for the crime.

lucky11_2

For all you know she might smoke 3 a week and never round her kids! Leave her alone for gods sake, her issue is with a train station - not her children or her personal life!