Enforcement of no smoking laws at Watford Junction station have come under investigation after a passenger who complained about a smoker was told: "That's your problem."
Retired firefighter Keith Algar, 63, was standing on platform eight, waiting to catch the delayed 12.11pm London Midland service to Milton Keynes on Tuesday.
He was reading his newspaper when another passenger sat down next to him and lit up a cigarette, despite several signs displayed in the area that explained there was to be no smoking anywhere in the station.
advertisement
When Mr Algar, a former smoker himself, twice confronted the man, he was told in no uncertain terms that the cigarette would not be stubbed out.
Mr Algar then walked to a nearby staff office to speak to a station attendant, who promptly told him "That's your problem" and said because he was a smoker himself, he wouldn't tell anyone else to stop.
Mr Algar claimed he was also told: "If you don't like it, go and stand somewhere else."
Without resolution, Mr Algar boarded his train and got off at Bletchley, where he lives. There he told the station manager what happened at Watford and received an apology on behalf of London Midland, and was told to make a complaint in writing.
Mr Algar said: "I was very, very angry after that. It was just outrageous. I'm not a complaining person but I thought I'm not letting this go."
He sent an email to the train company, which took over Silverlink services from Watford Junction in November, and received an automated reply that told him his complaint had been passed to the Customer Relations Team.
Mr Algar, who works for Watford Employment Tribunal, said: "An apology would be nice but I would also like some guarantee that when a passenger asks for any help on a platform their response is better than that.
"If I had been someone a bit weaker in character, I would have been upset by it. They need to write to me to say that this is going to be put right and it won't happen again.
"As an ex-firefighter in public service for 30 years, I knew how to deal with members of the public and could not have spoken to someone like I was spoken to. You had to respect them."
The email Mr Algar received from London Midland on Tuesday said he could expect to receive a response within ten days. However, he was told it may take longer to provide a full reply if a "more detailed investigation" is required.
A London Midland representative said: "We are very sorry that this incident occurred and we are doing a full investigation. We will get back to the passenger and give a full explanation when we have compiled our investigation."
Well Mr Algar you deserve it especially given the person in question wadnt bothering you- in fact you could have simply moved away!! Well done to the station attendant! nothing worse than people snitching on a smell!!
Well Mr Algar you deserve it especially given the person in question wadnt bothering you- in fact you could have simply moved away!! Well done to the station attendant! nothing worse than people snitching on a smell!!
Posted by: barbelybob, watford on 4:44pm Sat 29 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Carlos[/bold] wrote:
Well Mr Algar you deserve it especially given the person in question wadnt bothering you- in fact you could have simply moved away!! Well done to the station attendant! nothing worse than people snitching on a smell!![/quote] You talk out of your backside carlos,the guy sat down next to him so he was clearly bothering him.This idiot was breaking the law of the land and should have been sorted out.I see it every day at the junction and have never seen a smoker asked to stop by the staff.Where was Mr Algar going to move to you plonker,he's on a platform waiting for a train.You are just the sort of IGNORANT ahole we all despise.People like yourself and this knob are so in need of some manners...
Carlos wrote:
Well Mr Algar you deserve it especially given the person in question wadnt bothering you- in fact you could have simply moved away!! Well done to the station attendant! nothing worse than people snitching on a smell!!
You talk out of your backside carlos,the guy sat down next to him so he was clearly bothering him.This idiot was breaking the law of the land and should have been sorted out.I see it every day at the junction and have never seen a smoker asked to stop by the staff.Where was Mr Algar going to move to you plonker,he's on a platform waiting for a train.You are just the sort of IGNORANT ahole we all despise.People like yourself and this knob are so in need of some manners...
Posted by: NoBanJan, Manchester on 6:41pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Good on the station attendant for refusing to do anything to stop the man from smoking. Mr Algar should just have moved out of the way the same as he would from any other smell he didn't like, but because it is a cigarette involved, hysteria breaks out! Good on the station attendant for refusing to become one of the growing band of lttle Hitlers!
Good on the station attendant for refusing to do anything to stop the man from smoking. Mr Algar should just have moved out of the way the same as he would from any other smell he didn't like, but because it is a cigarette involved, hysteria breaks out! Good on the station attendant for refusing to become one of the growing band of lttle Hitlers!
Posted by: Bill Crombie, Bath on 7:39pm Sat 29 Mar 08
With all due respect, Barbelybob, the smoker was not breaking the law of the land, as he was not smoking in an enclosed space. It is a by-law of Network Rail that insists on no smoking on the platform even in open air. Clearly, another tactic to cheese smokers off.
Perhaps the smoker should have show some courtesy to this old chap, but it works both ways. Smokers are under constant attack for a legal activity, a draconian ban based on junk science, no death certificates for passive smoking I am afraid. It about time HMG treated smokers with respect and amend this ban before we loose more pubs for ever (4 per day closing and counting).
With all due respect, Barbelybob, the smoker was not breaking the law of the land, as he was not smoking in an enclosed space. It is a by-law of Network Rail that insists on no smoking on the platform even in open air. Clearly, another tactic to cheese smokers off.
Perhaps the smoker should have show some courtesy to this old chap, but it works both ways. Smokers are under constant attack for a legal activity, a draconian ban based on junk science, no death certificates for passive smoking I am afraid. It about time HMG treated smokers with respect and amend this ban before we loose more pubs for ever (4 per day closing and counting).
[quote][bold]barbelybob[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Carlos[/bold] wrote:
Well Mr Algar you deserve it especially given the person in question wadnt bothering you- in fact you could have simply moved away!! Well done to the station attendant! nothing worse than people snitching on a smell!![/quote] You talk out of your backside carlos,the guy sat down next to him so he was clearly bothering him.This idiot was breaking the law of the land and should have been sorted out.I see it every day at the junction and have never seen a smoker asked to stop by the staff.Where was Mr Algar going to move to you plonker,he's on a platform waiting for a train.You are just the sort of IGNORANT ahole we all despise.People like yourself and this knob are so in need of some manners...[/quote] barbelybob..........
You be a bit of a prat son!.. oh and I despise you too and I'm a non smoker, we are becoming a communist state!
barbelybob wrote:
Carlos wrote:
Well Mr Algar you deserve it especially given the person in question wadnt bothering you- in fact you could have simply moved away!! Well done to the station attendant! nothing worse than people snitching on a smell!!
You talk out of your backside carlos,the guy sat down next to him so he was clearly bothering him.This idiot was breaking the law of the land and should have been sorted out.I see it every day at the junction and have never seen a smoker asked to stop by the staff.Where was Mr Algar going to move to you plonker,he's on a platform waiting for a train.You are just the sort of IGNORANT ahole we all despise.People like yourself and this knob are so in need of some manners...
barbelybob..........
You be a bit of a prat son!.. oh and I despise you too and I'm a non smoker, we are becoming a communist state!
Posted by: Bill Crombie, Bath on 8:55pm Sat 29 Mar 08
JHN Tiverton - I do not condone litter (in fact it is one of my pet hates), but please put a dead match and cigarette butt into perspective.
Compared to the junk food cartons or plastic drink bottles thrown onto our pavements and hedgerows, fag ends are trivial in the scheme of things.
Whether you refer to smoking as a "smell" or a "stink", we basically have a government that has legislated against a smell, which has little or no effect on non-smoker's health. This country has gone down the toilet and no one appears to notice or care!!
JHN Tiverton - I do not condone litter (in fact it is one of my pet hates), but please put a dead match and cigarette butt into perspective.
Compared to the junk food cartons or plastic drink bottles thrown onto our pavements and hedgerows, fag ends are trivial in the scheme of things.
Whether you refer to smoking as a "smell" or a "stink", we basically have a government that has legislated against a smell, which has little or no effect on non-smoker's health. This country has gone down the toilet and no one appears to notice or care!!
Posted by: realitybites, watford on 12:41am Sun 30 Mar 08
Kombat wrote
[quote]What is needed in this country is a campaign of mass civil disobedience[/quote]
There already is mass civil disobedience in this country - don't you read the papers?
Britain will never be Great again - Crime rules the streets, Drugs flood in, France and Germany own our power and water....and Eastenders is the most popular program on tv. It's Anarchy i tell ya!
Kombat wrote
What is needed in this country is a campaign of mass civil disobedience
There already is mass civil disobedience in this country - don't you read the papers?
Britain will never be Great again - Crime rules the streets, Drugs flood in, France and Germany own our power and water....and Eastenders is the most popular program on tv. It's Anarchy i tell ya!
Posted by: barbelybob, watford on 7:16am Sun 30 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Bill Crombie[/bold] wrote:
With all due respect, Barbelybob, the smoker was not breaking the law of the land, as he was not smoking in an enclosed space. It is a by-law of Network Rail that insists on no smoking on the platform even in open air. Clearly, another tactic to cheese smokers off.
Perhaps the smoker should have show some courtesy to this old chap, but it works both ways. Smokers are under constant attack for a legal activity, a draconian ban based on junk science, no death certificates for passive smoking I am afraid. It about time HMG treated smokers with respect and amend this ban before we loose more pubs for ever (4 per day closing and counting).[/quote] The fella was smoking in a place of work and a public place so i think there was some law broken.As for moving out the way,why could the smoker,who knew he wasnt allowed to smoke go to the end of the platform out of the way?What do you think will happen?I will tell you what will happen,someone will get hurt before the train operaters enforce their ban.....
Bill Crombie wrote:
With all due respect, Barbelybob, the smoker was not breaking the law of the land, as he was not smoking in an enclosed space. It is a by-law of Network Rail that insists on no smoking on the platform even in open air. Clearly, another tactic to cheese smokers off.
Perhaps the smoker should have show some courtesy to this old chap, but it works both ways. Smokers are under constant attack for a legal activity, a draconian ban based on junk science, no death certificates for passive smoking I am afraid. It about time HMG treated smokers with respect and amend this ban before we loose more pubs for ever (4 per day closing and counting).
The fella was smoking in a place of work and a public place so i think there was some law broken.As for moving out the way,why could the smoker,who knew he wasnt allowed to smoke go to the end of the platform out of the way?What do you think will happen?I will tell you what will happen,someone will get hurt before the train operaters enforce their ban.....
Posted by: meridanny, watford on 7:25am Sun 30 Mar 08
[quote][bold]VoR[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]barbelybob[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Carlos[/bold] wrote:
Well Mr Algar you deserve it especially given the person in question wadnt bothering you- in fact you could have simply moved away!! Well done to the station attendant! nothing worse than people snitching on a smell!![/quote] You talk out of your backside carlos,the guy sat down next to him so he was clearly bothering him.This idiot was breaking the law of the land and should have been sorted out.I see it every day at the junction and have never seen a smoker asked to stop by the staff.Where was Mr Algar going to move to you plonker,he's on a platform waiting for a train.You are just the sort of IGNORANT ahole we all despise.People like yourself and this knob are so in need of some manners...[/quote] barbelybob..........
You be a bit of a prat son!.. oh and I despise you too and I'm a non smoker, we are becoming a communist state!
[/quote] The day i give a sh1t about what you think about anything vor i will let you know.As for despising people,thats a big word for such a boy so be careful what say.Have you ever had to endure a train journey where the person sat next to you has just desperately finished a fag before getting on the train?reeking like an ashtray.Well ive been close to blows over it and would feel exactly the same if someone sat next to me on the platform.I assure you,he would have put it out if i asked...jog on pal
VoR wrote:
barbelybob wrote:
Carlos wrote:
Well Mr Algar you deserve it especially given the person in question wadnt bothering you- in fact you could have simply moved away!! Well done to the station attendant! nothing worse than people snitching on a smell!!
You talk out of your backside carlos,the guy sat down next to him so he was clearly bothering him.This idiot was breaking the law of the land and should have been sorted out.I see it every day at the junction and have never seen a smoker asked to stop by the staff.Where was Mr Algar going to move to you plonker,he's on a platform waiting for a train.You are just the sort of IGNORANT ahole we all despise.People like yourself and this knob are so in need of some manners...
barbelybob..........
You be a bit of a prat son!.. oh and I despise you too and I'm a non smoker, we are becoming a communist state!
The day i give a sh1t about what you think about anything vor i will let you know.As for despising people,thats a big word for such a boy so be careful what say.Have you ever had to endure a train journey where the person sat next to you has just desperately finished a fag before getting on the train?reeking like an ashtray.Well ive been close to blows over it and would feel exactly the same if someone sat next to me on the platform.I assure you,he would have put it out if i asked...jog on pal
Posted by: Bill Crombie, Bath on 8:52am Sun 30 Mar 08
Barbelybob - you suggestion that the smokers moved to one end of the platform is valid. In Germany, one half of the platform is designated for smokers and non-smokers can avoid this area. Unfortunately, Network Rail has taken away that choice, when, in law, it was not necesary.
Meridanny - I would suggest you get some anger management for your adversion to smokers; it does not sound healthy. Do you react the same when you are next to someone with body odour, bad breath or a woman with some powerful, obnoxious perfume?
Barbelybob - you suggestion that the smokers moved to one end of the platform is valid. In Germany, one half of the platform is designated for smokers and non-smokers can avoid this area. Unfortunately, Network Rail has taken away that choice, when, in law, it was not necesary.
Meridanny - I would suggest you get some anger management for your adversion to smokers; it does not sound healthy. Do you react the same when you are next to someone with body odour, bad breath or a woman with some powerful, obnoxious perfume?
Mr Algar makes a valid point. Funny how a discusion brings out the best in people. The day someone tries to stop me complaining about not smoking in my face is the day the gloves come off.
Get a life. You want to kill yourself go ahead. Dont get upset that I dont want to die. You stand outside in all weather sucking on that crap thinking you look cool. You smell bad and people try to avoid you. One day you will wake up and realise you have done too much damage to your body and then it will be too late. Explain to your kids and grandchildren how the reason you are dying far too young is because you are stupid and thought you look cool. And when its too late and you would give anything for just one more day, remember how stupid you are being today, here on this website and wonder how much sympathy you will get from anyone here who doesn't want to smell your smoke. NONE. Big p the the smokers. Go kill yourself.
Mr Algar makes a valid point. Funny how a discusion brings out the best in people. The day someone tries to stop me complaining about not smoking in my face is the day the gloves come off.
Get a life. You want to kill yourself go ahead. Dont get upset that I dont want to die. You stand outside in all weather sucking on that crap thinking you look cool. You smell bad and people try to avoid you. One day you will wake up and realise you have done too much damage to your body and then it will be too late. Explain to your kids and grandchildren how the reason you are dying far too young is because you are stupid and thought you look cool. And when its too late and you would give anything for just one more day, remember how stupid you are being today, here on this website and wonder how much sympathy you will get from anyone here who doesn't want to smell your smoke. NONE. Big p the the smokers. Go kill yourself.
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
Print
Email this
Comment
