Have your say on smoke and vape free spaces in Knowsley

Have your say on smoke and vape free spaces in Knowsley

Residents are being encouraged to take part in a consultation on a proposed Smoke and Vape Free Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), targeted to reduce exposure to children and young people.

The plans form part of Knowsley Council's response to tackling high levels of smoking and youth vaping in the borough, as well as its on ongoing work to improve public health and protect children and young people.

What are the proposals?

The proposed PSPO has three key aims:

1. Protect public health in Knowsley
2. Protect children and young people from harm
3. Prevent crime and anti-social behaviour

To support these aims, the PSPO would create smoke and vape free public spaces in areas used regularly by children, young people and families. This would include playgrounds and visitor centres within parks, school grounds and gates, children's centres and family hubs, children's homes, libraries, leisure centres and culture centres such as Shakespeare North Playhouse.

The PSPO would be enforceable through Fixed Penalty Notice if a breach is witnessed.

Consultation now underway

Knowsley Council has launched a mandatory six-week consultation period to consider the scope and implementation of the PSPO and hear residents' views.

In addition, the consultation is being extended to include partners, relevant community representatives, and owners or occupiers of land within the affected areas. These groups will have the opportunity to provide feedback on how the measures may impact their settings.

How to take part

The public consultation is now live online here.

Evidence supporting the proposals has been collated and shared as part of the consultation pack, and a draft version of the PSPO is also available. The final PSPO document will include detailed maps illustrating the specific locations covered by the restrictions.

Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council's Cabinet Member for Health, said: "The damage to our health caused by smoking is well documented and, while vaping can be a tool help people quit smoking, we are seeing more and more of our young people developing nicotine addiction through vaping.

"This PSPO will ensure that there are spaces that families, children and young people can enjoy without others smoking or vaping around them."