Ignite your engine but not your lighter

A meeting over a cigarette is to become a thing of the past, because on Sunday (01 July), the Health Act comes into force in England. This means that smoking in the workplace will become illegal, but what many people also forget, is that this extends to a ban on lighting up in company cars or commercial vehicles with more than one occupant. Versions of the new law have already come into force in Wales and Northern Ireland, and Scotland has adopted its own legislation.

Motorpoint, the UK’s largest car supermarket, is looking to give businesses a head-start, by becoming the first retailer of its kind to consider introducing a sticker in every vehicle sold to corporate customers. This will serve as a reminder not to reach for a cigarette whilst on the road, if the driver is carrying passengers. All vehicles used on company business must display a no-smoking sign, and defying the ban could result in large fines of up to £2,500 if convicted.

Furthermore, training procedures have also been revised, so that all sales staff at Motorpoint’s five sites across the UK, explain to customers before they get behind the wheel of their vehicle for the very first time, that if the car is used for business purposes, it should remain a smoke-free environment.

Commenting on the introduction of the regulations, David Shelton, Managing Director of Motorpoint explains: “Every organisation has a responsibility to communicate the new rules to their employees, and there is no reason why this should not start with the retailer, as our strong position in the sector will allow us to set such an example. We will continue to reinforce the key messages of the legislation, and educate buyers on its implications.”

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