Fag-end!

April 2006

The smoking ban set to become law next summer for workplaces, pubs and clubs could include company cars, which would be classified an extension of the office.

A final decision will depend on a three-month consultation period that will follow once the new Health Bill passes through the House of Lords over the next few weeks.

What is certain, though, is that smoking will be illegal in all vans in Scotland, even if they are not based in the country, from March.

The legislation covering England, Wales andNorthern Ireland will also definitely ban smokingfor the driver and passengers of taxis, but not for private motorists.

Ban Smoking

In the meantime, many in the fleet industry are urging firms to ban employees now from smoking in all company vehicles, a step already taken by BT and being considered by others.

The ban is being recommended both on health grounds, to protect drivers and their passengers, but also on financial grounds. Surveys have consistently shown that the residual value of vehicles subjected to damage and discolouration from smoke and cigarette burns is much lower than that for smoke-free cars and vans.

Workplace

Vehicles used for business purposes and shared by more than one person were included in them first draft of the Health Bill. But the House of Commons last month delayed the decision on whether company cars should be included by making it conditional on further consultation.

When Ireland introduced a similar ban two years ago, company cars were classed as a place of work and were affected. In England, company car drivers could be banned from smoking behind the wheel while carrying a passenger.

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