Check rules on smoking in public vehicles

SKDC is telling employers to be wise to the rules around smoking in vehicles used for work.

The law requires smoke-free environments in all workplaces, including vehicles used for public transport, for example taxis, and private hire vehicles and other work vehicles such as company cars, delivery vans, lorries and heavy goods vehicles.

This ensures all workers are protected from the risks to health from tobacco smoke and are guaranteed their right to work in a smoke-free environment.  All members of the public should have access to public transport that is smoke-free.

Managers must ensure all public transport and work vehicles, are smokefree and display ‘no-smoking’ signs in a prominent position in all vehicles.

They must also take reasonable steps to ensure that employees and customers are aware that vehicles used for public transport and work purposes are legally required to be smokefree.

The sign should include the international red ‘no smoking’ symbol. Signage is available free from the Department of Health.

Taxi and private hire drivers must not smoke in their vehicles even when they don’t have passengers or if using the taxi when off duty to avoid tobacco smoke being absorbed into soft furnishings in the vehicle.

Employers can register for free signage and guidance at www.smokefreeengland.co.uk.

The penalties for non-compliance include:

• failure to display minimum no smoking signs up to £200 fixed penalty notice or up to £1000 fine
• Smoking in a no-smoking place up to £50 fixed penalty notice or up to £200 fine
• Failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place up to £2500 fine

In South Kesteven, taxi or private hire drivers also receive three points on their taxi licence for breaches of smoking in their vehicle.

The NHS offers a wide range of free and easily accessible support for smokers including local Stop Smoking Services, the Together Programme, the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169, www.givingupsmoking.co.uk and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) on prescription.

Information about your local NHS Stop Smoking Service is at http://www.nhs.uk/smokefree/help-and-advice/support

Phoenix Stop Smoking Service also provides a free service as part of the NHS to anyone who would like to stop smoking within Lincolnshire.

Call free on 0800 840 1533/ 01522 574200 or Text ‘QuitCompletely’ to 07786205128 or visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/smokefree-lincs/stop-smoking

 

From October 2015 new legislation will also prevent people smoking in private cars if under 18s are present.