News - 2007 Archive

Smoking Ban

On 1st July 2007 the Smoke free premises and vehicles legislation comes into force (in England) with proposed fines rising to £2500.

What does this mean for vehicles?

Company vehicles are affected as the ban covers all enclosed public places, including company cars, pool cars and hire cars.

If a company car or van is likely to be used by more than one driver, or carry passengers on business, regardless of whether they are in the vehicle at the same time it must be a smoke free zone.

Privately owned vehicles are not covered by this new legislation and at present it is unclear whethe they may be affected if they are being used for business purposes.

Exemptions

Drivers of convertibles will be exempt as long as the roof of the vehicle is down when they or their passengers are smoking.

Smoking is allowed in vehicles which are for sole use of the driver and are not used by anyone else as either a driver or a passenger.

Proposed fines

• smoking in a smoke free vehicle - between £50 and £200
• failing to display a clear no smoking sign in a smoke free vehicle - up to £2500

Note:

The legislation covering Scotland has been in force since July 2006

The legislation covering Wales and Northern Ireland has been in force since April 2007