Junk food adverts are set to be banned across the Tyne and Wear Metro network from 1 December. The decision comes after North East Mayor Kim McGuinness supported celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s campaign to limit ads for unhealthy food in public spaces.

The ban will apply to the network’s 60 stations and the entire fleet of trains. McGuinness said the days of targeting children with “predatory adverts” for unhealthy food and drink were over.

“I want parents to know their children will be protected from adverts for burgers, sweets and fizzy drinks,” she said. “This is us sending a clear message to junk food companies - enough is enough.”

The North East Combined Authority confirmed that the new rules align with the government’s upcoming ban on junk food adverts on TV before the watershed. Helen Matthews, commercial director of the network's operator Nexus, added that by only allowing healthy food to be advertised, the company was playing its part in “making our region healthier.”

The ban will cover advertising on Nexus-owned infrastructure, including the Shields Ferry and selected billboard sites alongside Metro lines. Small independent businesses, such as local restaurants, will be exempt.

Image: Tyne and Wear Metro