Sitting on the platform,
Waiting for my train to stop,
I thought of Adlestrop.
I yawned.
Someone lit a cigarette.
Noone complained
And no authority figure came.
I hated that cigarette
And prayed for a train.
Yes I remember Adlestrop
And the poet’s name.
—
The above poem came to me as I sat at Gipsy Hill railway station in south-east London. I doubt the gentleman who shared his cigarette with those on the platform (including me), has heard of Edward Thomas. I suspect he has no care for poetry. He certainly had no consideration for his fellow commuters.
K Morris - Poet 
He certainly had no concern for either fellow passengers or the law.
In Spain, just after the pandemic, when masks were still required on public transport, there were people on stations and on trains and buses telling people to put on their masks. (And to wear them properly, too, not beneath their nose.) We were refused a bus because we’d forgotten out masks.
Here, though, no one is there to tell wrongdoers off.
Your experience in Spain is interesting, Vivienne. I was tempted to speak to the smoker and ask him to stop smoking on the platform. However, one never knows whether challenging such behaviour will cause the miscreant to let fly with their fists or pull a knife. Hence I decided that discretion is the better part of valour and moved away from the smoker. I suspect that, sooner or later he will be stopped by British Transport Police and fined. At least I hope so.
You were wise, Kevin. These days one never knows people’s reactions.
Thank you, Vivienne.
Here in Germany it’s forbideen to light a cigarette on railway stations. There are only about two square meters of large areas where you can do this undisturbed. But as soon as you cross the line, you get an individual loudspeaker announcement across the entire train station. Lol xx Michael
Hi Michael. Its also forbidden to smoke on public transport, in railway and tube stations, pubs, clubs and other public places (excluding most outdoor places, but platforms are classed as non-smoking areas). I like the idea of loud speaker anouncements telling the smoker to stop smoking! I think a high powered jet of water should be directed at both the cigarette and the person smoking it!
Oh, the same in Britain. ;-/ Okay a loudspeaker announcment is prefered more, by me. LOl xx