New smoke-free areas are set to be introduced in six Kent districts this year - but there are concerns over a lack of enforcement.

The initiative, funded by Kent County Council (KCC) through a £1.9 million government grant, aims to deter people from lighting up a cigarette and vaping in public places.

The designated zones are set to be set up in parks, play areas, high streets, and outside schools.

But KCC has confirmed there will be no fines for those caught smoking or vaping in these areas, which are set to be introduced in Maidstone, Gravesend, Ashford, Swale, Thanet, and Dover.

Councils will design their own signs featuring messages about the dangers of secondhand smoke and information on how to access free support to quit smoking.

Maidstone Borough Council says it will introduce the spaces outside council venues and town centre locations, including the town hall, The Mall, Fremlin Walk, Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre, Kent History and Library Centre, children’s play areas, and green spaces.

Gravesham Borough Council plans to implement the scheme in Gravesend town centre, parks, and open spaces, and is to hold a public consultation to determine specific locations.

Ashford Borough Council will also install signage across its town centre and play areas, though details have not yet been confirmed. Installation there is scheduled for early spring.

In Swale, the zones are set to be introduced at play areas, train stations, bus stops, leisure centres, multi-storey car parks, and outside libraries, schools, GP surgeries, and hospitals.

Cllr Angela Harrison (Lab), chairman of the council’s housing and health committee, said: “We will be working over the next few months to implement smoke-free areas across the borough and want to hear where you think they are most needed.”

Thanet will introduce smoke-free areas in children’s play spaces at Jubilee Play Park in Birchington, Dane Park, Hartsdown Park Play Area and Jubilee Play Park in Margate, St Peter’s Recreation Ground in Broadstairs, Boundary Park in Ramsgate, and Princess Margaret Avenue Play Area in Newington.

Dover District Council has also confirmed its participation but is still finalising locations for the signs.

A similar initiative was introduced in Medway in 2011, when the ‘A Better Medway Team’ installed more than 70 “smoke-free outdoor play” signs designed by children.

In a statement, KCC said secondhand smoke contributes to an estimated 10,000 deaths annually in the UK and is linked to serious health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and an increased risk of dementia.

Vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, and people with existing health conditions, are particularly at risk.

But shoppers KentOnline spoke to in Maidstone said they doubt people will respect the scheme.

“I don’t think it will make any difference,” one said.

“Even with the smoke-free areas I still think people are going to smoke and vape.”

Another added: “If people are going to do it then they are going to do it.”

But Cllr Dan Watkins (Con), KCC’s cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said the scheme “will help save lives”.

“Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the UK,” he said.

“Research suggests each cigarette a person smokes could shorten their life by 20 minutes – and a 10-a-day smoker could save themselves a day of their life after just eight days of quitting.

“There’s also no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, so this initiative with our local councils will help by creating spaces where smoking and vaping are discouraged.”