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Will the regulations include all company vehicles?

Where a vehicle is used as a workplace by more than one person, regardless of whether they are in the vehicle at the same time, it will be required to be smoke-free at all times. This protects shift and other workers who use the same vehicle from the health risks associated with secondhand smoke.

Smoking will, however, be permitted in vehicles that are for the sole use of the driver and are not used as a workplace by anyone else, either as a driver or passenger.

I share a company vehicle with one other person. We are both smokers and want to smoke in that vehicle. Why shouldn’t we?

This legislation has been developed to protect both smokers and non-smokers from secondhand smoke.

Can I smoke in my privately owned vehicle?

The Government is not proposing that smoke-free legislation extends to privately owned vehicles.

I am a mini cab driver. Can I smoke in my own vehicle if I don’t have any passengers?

No. Under the regulations, all vehicles used for public transport will be required to be smoke-free at all times. This means that a member of the public will know that whenever they use public transport of whatever type, it will be free from hazardous secondhand smoke.

What if the driver is on his/her own in the van/lorry cab?

Vehicles in which one or more persons use for work are covered by the new law.

What about leased vehicles?

All leased cars are exempt. Other vehicles hired for private purposes will not be covered by the smoke-free legislation. Those being used primarily for business purposes should, however, be smoke-free and should display the appropriate no-smoking signs.

What about public transport like buses, taxis, trains and facilities?

All public transport must comply with the smoke-free law. This includes when the driver is in the cab on his own. Public transport facilities like bus stations and train stations should also be 'no smoking' premises, if they are wholly or substantially enclosed. Bus shelters are also covered by the smoke- free law and should display the appropriate signage if they are wholly or substantially enclosed.

Can you smoke on train platforms?

This would depend on whether the platform was substantially enclosed or not.

How will I know whether or not they are substantially enclosed?

Those with responsibility for the train station will be expected to ensure that appropriate signage is in place, so travellers can be sure where they can and cannot smoke.