We would like to congratulate South West Trains on putting staff and customer health and safety first. Trains on the London Waterloo line are from December 1 totally smoke-free.

The only solution to keeping air clean in an enclosed space is to stop smoking. Public polls show a growing number of people do not want to breathe in cigarette smoke when in a public place.

This view was supported by the 13 medical colleges who said the health risks of second-hand smoke are overwhelming. Commuters and staff on London Waterloo South West Train services now have those health risks removed. South West Trains will be doing everyone a favour when it goes smoke-free in May next year. The company has given passengers and staff an early Christmas present let's hope other businesses follow their lead.

M Jones

Senior Health Promotion

Specialist, Wiltshire Health

Promotion Service