Ban on smoking should cover private vehicles

The recent smoking ban which came into force in England on 01 July, 2007 prevents drivers on company business from lighting up if the vehicle is used by more than one person. Cars used for strictly private purposes are exempt from the recent legislation which means that passengers such as young children are still exposed to passive smoking, whilst their parents or siblings are at the wheel.

In a survey conducted by Motorpoint, the UK’s largest car supermarket, since the introduction of the new rules, a staggering 62% of respondents claimed that the ban on smoking in company cars does not go far enough, and that it should be extended to those which are privately owned. In addition to putting the lives of many at risk every day, there are also increased safety implications. The latest research from insurance group Privilege, has shown that motorists who smoke, drive on average 23% faster than non-smokers.

Furthermore, like grabbing a sandwich or a drink whilst on the move, smoking at the wheel reduces levels of concentration, and presents an addition to the long list of distractions fighting for the attention of motorists on the road. Motorpoint are currently looking at introducing a no smoking sticker in every company car and commercial vehicle sold. However, due to the overwhelming response from the poll, the retailer is now considering rolling this out to all vehicles sold at each of the company’s five sites around the UK.

Commenting on the response of visitors to the Motorpoint website, David Shelton, Managing Director of Motorpoint explains: “The introduction of the ban on smoking has provoked a real divide amongst consumers, but there is evidently a real concern about the potential risks to passenger health which is not applicable to all motorists consumers at present. Whilst we have to comply with existing legislation, it is still the retailer’s responsibility to educate buyers on the dangers associated with smoking.”

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