Smokers flouting the ban cost businesses money

One year on from the introduction of the smoking ban in public places, including company vehicles, leading vehicle auction company BCA is warning businesses who have failed to follow the letter of the law they might have to pay out more than just a fine.

Tim Naylor, PR Manager at BCA, commented "Presentation is one of the strongest price factors in the used car market and becomes even more important when used vehicle values are under pressure, as they are now. Buyers have their pick of a huge range of used cars and vans and any vehicle that is below par in terms of its condition may well be passed over”.

Naylor added “Professional buyers always favour cars that are in the best possible condition and will pay the most for them.

“Presentation is not just about how it looks, but how it smells! As well as the potential fine if caught smoking in a work vehicle – which is classed as a public place – the loss of value should be another good reason for businesses to make sure employees avoid lighting up in company vans. This will avoid the lingering smell of cigarettes hanging in the interior as well as eliminate the risk of discolouring and leaving scorch marks on the interior trim or upholstery. All of these things put buyers off, even if they smoke themselves.”

While professional valeting can alleviate most of the effects of smoking, it means extra cost and time in the selling process and still might require the replacement of interior trim, such as nicotine-stained headlining.

Naylor added, “With buyers having the upper hand in the current market, it’s vital that businesses selling company vehicles make sure that they are in the best possible condition. Any vehicle that has been heavily smoked in will undoubtedly be at a disadvantage.”

BCA handles over a million vehicles every year, with large numbers coming from fleets and leasing companies. These organisations imposed bans on smoking in company vehicles ahead of the law coming into force last July. For smaller businesses it’s harder to impose restrictions on employees, but the consequences of not doing so could be costly.

“Small businesses would do well to follow the lead set by professional business sellers who realised that smoker’s vehicles were less desirable and were depreciayting at a faster rate,” added Naylor. “At the end of the day, drivers don’t want to be reminded of the previous owner every time they get behind the steering wheel.”