Fines For Smokers In Their Vehicles

Sunday, 31. August 2008

I certainly notice less drivers using mobile phones whilst driving, possibly as a result of more prosecutions and fines, but we now see local authorities turning more of their attention to smokers in company vehicles. Whilst some issue warnings many are starting to issue more £30 penalties. A recent case saw a self employed painter and decorator, Gordon Williams fined £30 by his local council for smoking in his van, even though it is privately owned and he wasn’t working at the time. The fact is that he was breaking the law and they were entitled to fine him but is everyone sticking to the rules. Had he not had a no smoking sticker in the vehicle he could also have been fined up to £1,000. So if you are a smoker and the car you drive is used for company business and can carry either staff or customers – beware of smoking whilst driving – you could end up with a fine. And if you have employees make sure that they are aware of the law or you could be fined also. By Graham Hill