Transport for London has confirmed it has begun looking into how it can implement a ban on gambling adverts across its advertising network after an intervention from Sadiq Khan.

A recent independent poll found that the public largely back this new approach: over three quarters (77%) of adults support a watershed ban on gambling, and two thirds (63%) would go even further and support a total ban on such adverts. It stands to reason, therefore, that the majority of TfL’s users would appreciate the ability to travel free from the marketing pressure of the gambling industry.

In April London, Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I am determined to do all I can to tackle this issue with the powers I have and help Londoners “That is why I am proposing to ban adverts for harmful junk food and gambling from our entire tube and bus network.”

During the first lockdown, gambling firms agreed to stop advertising, in recognition of the potential dangers to vulnerable people cooped up at home. That pledge hasn’t been repeated in subsequent lockdowns.