A BUS company has responded to calls from a health chief to ban eating on public transport.

Brighton and Hove Buses said it did not promote “smelly food” but would not look at banning eating altogether.

Marie Sansom, communications manager for Brighton and Hove Buses, said: “We prefer people not to eat smelly food on our buses, simply because it’s about being considerate to other passengers.

“There are no plans to ban food or drink being consumed on our buses.

“Encouraging people to walk, cycle or catch public transport is one of the most positive things we can do to help and it’s better for the environment too.”

This follows a report released earlier this month by the Government’s chief medical advisor Professor Dame Sally Davies.

It aimed to tackle childhood obesity and suggested banning food and drink on “urban public transport” as a means to achieving this.

But Argus readers disagreed, with 82 per cent voting against the idea in a recent poll.