Press Release

Painter fined for smoking in van admitted he broke the law

Friday, July 25 2008

The CIEH has lent its support to Ceredigion County Council for handing a fixed penalty ticket to a painter and decorator who breached Smokefree legislation.

Gordon Williams was issued with a fixed penalty notice after having been stopped by police as part of a multi-agency initiative. When stopped both Mr Williams and his male passenger were found to be smoking, and after having acknowledged that the vehicle was used as a work vehicle fixed penalty notices were served on both persons. Both passengers admitted the offence and have paid the fixed penalty notice rather than have the matter considered by the Court.

A total of 56 vehicles were stopped during the initiative and three fixed penalty notices issued in connection with contraventions of the Smoking in Smoke Free places legislation.

Director of CIEH Wales Julie Barratt said: "The law has been breached, the offence admitted and the incident has been dealt with appropriately. Where individuals are found to be smoking in vehicles used for work purposes the law is clear.

"Compliance with the ban on smoking in public places in Wales, which includes smoking in vehicles used in the course of work continues to be high, however it should be remembered that the legislation was brought in to protect public health.

"Where it is seen to be being breached local authorities will take action to ensure compliance in the same way as they enforce other health protection legislation.

"Should members of the public want advice about the law and what it means to them either in premises or in relation to vehicles used for work they should contact  their local environmental health department."