We're only a few days away from an almost complete ban on smoking in public places in the UK., which suits me fine as I'm not a smoker. Although much of Europe is still very tolerant of smoking, places like aircraft and metros are most definitely smoke-free due to safety, rather than health reasons. I was on the metro in Barcelona this morning when I saw a sign that showed the fines for travelling without a ticket and smoking. For not having a ticket the fine is €40, which seems reasonable to discourage people from fare dodging. For smoking? €30.05. Thirty Euros and five cents? Who thought it would make sense to add that extra five cents? I'm guessing that if people do get fined on the spot most of the time the fine is a nice round thirty Euros.

It really does amaze me that there are times when a decision gets made like this and nobody realises how ridiculous it is. No doubt it was a committee that made the decision.