The UCL study published in the journal Addiction and funded by Cancer Research UK found the rise in the proportion of people vaping has stalled after the Government announced plans to ban disposable vapes in January 2024 following an almost 25% increase in the previous two years.

Research also found the proportion of 16- to 24-year-olds using disposable vapes almost halved from 63% to 35% after January 2024.

Lead author Dr Sarah Jackson (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care) said: ‘Our results … suggest that the Government's ban on disposables, coming into force in June, may have limited impact on vaping rates in general, given that vapers are already moving away from disposable vapes. It seems likely that people using these products will move to re-usable versions rather than stop vaping completely.'

Senior author Professor Jamie Brown (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care) said: ‘While it is understandable that policymakers want to take action to reduce vaping among children and never smokers, smoking remains the number one public health priority. These findings should reassure policymakers that they can prioritise measures, such as restrictions on marketing, packaging and display, which are least likely to undermine how helpful vapes are for people trying to quit smoking.'

A Government spokesperson said: ‘This study provides promising evidence that the rise in vaping amongst young people has stalled. The health advice is clear that whilst vapes can be an effective quit aid for adult smokers, children and non-smokers should never vape.

‘The landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill will put an end to the cycle of addiction and disadvantage by creating the first smoke-free generation and stopping the next generation getting hooked on nicotine.

‘With five million disposable vapes either littered or thrown away in general waste every week last year, the single-use vapes ban will also crack down on waste and protect our natural environment.'