SIR – You report on a debate about users of electronic cigarettes at the recent Bradford Passenger Consultative Committee. We are informed that the use of these devices is ‘banned’ by Metro and its train or bus operator partners.

Although these organisations have every right to ban things, this is an extremely disappointing position from Metro.

Electronic cigarettes have proven a successful and effective means for people to quit smoking, with nearly two million people switching.

Forcing e-cigarette users out into the cold and wet with regular smokers is a stupid idea and one that will merely encourage people to go back to smoking regular – and much more dangerous – cigarettes.

Perhaps Metro and its partners would care to explain how they justify this ban, especially since there is no secondary or sidestream smoke risk and the devices are acting to reduce the users harm from smoking.

I suspect the argument will be as crass as “well it looks like smoking”, which is frankly pathetic.

Coun Simon Cooke, Hallowes Park Road, Cullingworth