Council stubs out smoking in workplace vehicles

08 March 2010

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Ian Lelliott, Woking Borough Council's Maintenance Manager, was ensuring that a giant cigarette didn't board his work vehicle at the Council Depot, when an Environmental health colleague visited the facility recently, to check that he is complying with Smokefree legislation in preparation for national No Smoking Day on 10 March.

Since July 2007, the Government implemented smokefree law in virtually all enclosed work and public places, with the help of local authorities, businesses and health campaigners. The law provides protection for workers and the general public from the harms of secondhand smoke, and enjoys huge public support. However, smoking in work vehicles is still an area of concern in the Borough, with non-compliance leading to nine individual fines being issued in Woking to date. The law applies to anyone who provides, manages or drives work vehicles.

To meet legal requirements, businesses must tell employees that it is an offence to smoke in a company smokefree vehicle and display legal no-smoking signs within vehicles. Until now, Council officers have written to companies in breach of the law and sent them information leaflets to remind them of their obligations, instead of taking enforcement action.

Councillor Beryl Hunwicks, Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Environmental Control, said: "Since 2007, the Council has operated a no smoking policy throughout its buildings and vehicles, and we work closely with our contractors to ensure that they are also fully aware of their responsibilities under the law. However, despite the legislation having been in place for almost three years, we are conscious that some businesses are still not complying. We are keen to lead by good example and would encourage those employers who have not yet included a smokefree policy in their contracts to do so, helping their employees to lead a healthier lifestyle, and avoid unnecessary and costly prosecution."

For more information about how to comply with Smokefree law, please contact Janine Knighton, Environment Officer at Woking Borough Council, on 01483 743017 or email janine.knighton@woking.gov.uk. Alternatively, download a copy of the information leaflet from the business website for Woking, Woking Works.