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The Conwy Council case
Date: 08 August 2007 | Author: Tristan Young
After our Conwy story about the first business driver being fined under the new anti-smoking laws, I had and email from reader Andrew Cavanagh asking how anti-smoking officers can enforce the law if they don't have the power to stop vehicles.
An interesting point.
Also, how are officers supposed to know if the car's a company car? Admittedly in the Conwy case it involved a liveried van so it was obviously a work vehicle. Personally, I've seen estate agents' cars with their drivers puffing away in the past two weeks.
A quick call to Conwy Council revealed that because it was a local company and the officer had written the details of the firm down from the van (plus numberplate), he paid them a visit. The company, which had obeyed all the legal regs on smoking, provided the driver's details and the driver was fined.
However, commenting on un-badged company vehicles Conwy public protection department's Nick Jones admitted: "With regards to company cars, it would be very difficult to enforce the legislation."
So, if you use liveried vehicles and your drivers are still smoking expect a visit and hope your paperwork is up to date, otherwise the law appears un-enforceable.
