March 14th 2018 marks “No Smoking Day” in the UK.
We all know the health risks of smoking and this annual awareness day aims to encourage smokers to quit!
If you drive a van - do you smoke in it? If you do you could face an end of lease charge if the smell of smoke or any damage is considered unacceptable and more importantly are you aware of the laws around smoking in a work vehicle:
Smoking isn’t allowed in any work vehicle that more than one person uses, eg:
- Vans
- taxis
- buses
- goods vehicles used by more than one driver
- company cars used by more than one employee
A worker can smoke in a company car or van that only they use if their employer agrees.
What businesses must do
Businesses must:
- display ‘no smoking’ signs in all vehicles - no smoking signs in Wales must be in both Welsh and English
- make sure people don’t smoke in enclosed work premises or shared vehicles
Fines and penalties
Businesses can be fined up to £2,500 if they don’t stop people smoking in the workplace or up to £1,000 if they don’t display ‘no smoking’ signs.
In Scotland, there is a fixed penalty fine of £200, which can go up to £2,500 if the fine isn’t paid.
Our advice to all customers is not to smoke in your lease van.