Smoking or vaping outside major transport hubs and council buildings, including Town Hall, will be banned as smoke-free zones in central Melbourne are likely to expand significantly.

According to the "Herald Sun" report on August 22, Melbourne City Council has banned smoking in 13 areas of the city, including Bourke Street Mall, McKillop St, Market Street Park, Collins Way, Goldsborough Lane, and Tan and Princes Park runways .

However, the city is considering whether it should extend the smoke-free zone to the entrances to major transport hubs, as well as to city-owned and managed properties.

These include places such as Swanston St Town Hall, North Melbourne Town Hall, community sports centres and civic spaces.

Under the "Smoke-Free Melbourne" policy, the council will also upgrade existing signage in smoke-free areas to read "No Smoking/E-Cigarettes" in response to the increasing use of e-cigarettes Happening.

Since 2013, Melbourne has issued an average of just 10 fines to violators a year, with the city taking an "educational and caring approach" to people who smoke in no-smoking areas.

Mayor Sally Capp said the health of the community was driving the council's position.

"We know that smoking is very harmful, not only for smokers, but also for people who are forced to accept secondhand smoke," she said.

"The City of Melbourne is working hard to ensure that more residents, workers, tourists and families can enjoy our beautiful city without health concerns."

Capp also said the rise in vaping was worrying, especially among young people.

"We believe the upgraded signage will help reduce vaping use in the city," she said.

The city council's crackdown on smoking has been welcomed by the health lobby.

Sarah White, head of Quit Victoria, said smoke-free cities had huge health benefits for residents.

"Even if you don't smoke, exposure to secondhand smoke from others can increase your risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease over time, even if you don't smoke," she said. "Secondhand smoke or aerosols from e-cigarettes can also trigger asthma attacks," she said. Makes some people uncomfortable."

Tobacco Free Portfolios chief executive Dr Bronwyn King said tobacco was the world's number one preventable cause of death, with around 24,000 Australians dying each year and more than 8 million globally.

"About 15 per cent of deaths occur in non-smokers, illustrating the staggering impact of secondhand smoke on society," she said.

"Smoke-free cities help protect the environment, improve the city's amenity, and allow Melburnians to enjoy amazing food, culture and activities without worrying about breathing in toxic substances."