Illegal tobacco bus hits the streets

The council’s environmental health team has hit the road to drive home the message about the dangers of illegal tobacco.

An eye-catching bus has been touring the borough to make people aware of the dangers of smoking illegal tobacco and give teenagers a peek into the future by showing them what they will look like if they don’t kick the habit.

It’s all part of our campaign to tackle the problems caused by illegal tobacco, such as encouraging children to start smoking, funding crime in the community and killing thousands of people each year.

People who board the bus can find out more information about illegal tobacco and get professional help and advice on how to kick the habit. Hi-tech age-progression software also produces images of what people will look like in the future after years of smoking tobacco.

The bus is being seen by thousands of people at a range of events over the summer.

Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer Services, Cllr Ken Keith, said: “We are always looking for different ways to spread the message about the dangers of illegal tobacco and the bus is a great way to do that.

“As well as providing information and advice, I think being able to show youngsters what they will look like after years of smoking really hits home and makes them think about the damage they are doing to their own health.

“I’d urge people not to buy illegal tobacco. It may be tempting because it is cheaper, but they must remember that the ingredients are unknown, which makes them extremely dangerous. Being cheaper also makes it easier for children to start smoking and it can bring crime into our communities.”

Cllr Ken Keith and Jenny Melia, the council’s Tobacco Control Enforcement Officer, Jennifer Melia, on board the illicit tobacco.