They're put out
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DARLINGTON Borough Council has landed itself in the middle of a blazing row over its decision to ban smoking on all of its buses.
After hearing how a sixmonth experiment confining smokers to the rear of its buses has been a success, the authority has now decided to impose a total ban on smoking on its vehicles. But the restriction has triggered bitter complaints, even before it received final approval.
Drivers' union leaders say they will instruct their members to ignore the ruling and local Forest members — a group aimed at supporting smokers — says it will fight to get the restriction lifted.
Members of Darlington's policy and resources committee voted to introduce the nosmoking rule with the proviso that staff should not be made to enforce the ban in "difficult and provocative situations."
The longest bus journey in Darlington is just 20 minutes.