Driving forward for Smokefree
From the 1st July 2007 most enclosed public places and workplaces became smokefree - this includes work vehicles.
If you provide, manage or drive work vehicles then the law applys to you. The following information and |attached diagram which indicates when a vehicle should be smokefree should help you understand the legislation.
Why has the law been brought in?
To protect people, research shows that second-hand smoke can seriously damage people's health.
Smokefree vehicles will include:
- Those vehicles that transport the public (e.g. buses, taxis), are required to be smokefree at all times i.e. even when not carrying paying passengers.
- Where a vehicle is a work vehicle (e.g. vans, trucks, staff minibuses, haulage lorries).
- Pool cars and most fleet or lease cars.
- If the vehicle is used in the course of voluntary work (paid or unpaid) by more than one person.
Vehicles where the smokefree law does not apply:
- Vehicles used mainly for the private purposes of an owner who has a right to use it that is not restricted to a specific journey (e.g. some work lease cars).
- With convertible vehicles (removable roof) smoking is permitted when the roof is completely stowed, or removed, but the vehicle must be smokefree when the roof is in place.
Note: The above list of smokefree vehicles does not cover all situations - if there is any doubt whether a vehicle should be smokefree or not then please consult your local Council.
Can I allow smoking in my car or vehicle?
- Yes, if it is solely for your own business or private use.
- No, if your vehicle is ever used by others for work or by customers. If you are a cab or bus driver, for example, even if you are on your own, your vehicle must be smokefree at all times. This is because tobacco smoke is absorbed into soft furnishings and stays around for weeks releasing chemical particles hazardous to health.
What do I need to do to comply with the law?
- Individuals must not smoke inside a smokefree vehicle, including customers.
- Smokefree vehicles must have the correct no-smoking signs prominently on display to remind customers and other users. Other reasonable measures to stop smoking would include sealing up ashtrays.
- Employees should be told that it is an offence to smoke in a company smokefree vehicle and disciplinary procedures may be appropriate.
Tell me more about the signs?
- Smokefree vehicles must display a legal no-smoking sign prominently in each compartment where people are carried.
- The sign must be the international no-smoking symbol (a single burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle) and be at least 70mm in diameter.
- Signs can be downloaded, printed or ordered from the |Smokefree England website. Alternatively, telephone Smokefree England information line on 0800 169 1697. You have the option of buying or designing your own no-smoking signs, as long as they meet the design requirements.
|View diagram which indicates when a vehicle should be smokefree.
