Van Man Calls for Early UK Wide Smoking Ban as Legislation Leaves a Fog of Confusion; Three Quarters of UK Van Drivers Would Support a Ban on Smoking in All Vehicles

LONDON--March 27, 2006--As the smoking ban in Scotland began yesterday, new research from Budget Van Insurance among over 1,800 van drivers across the UK reveals the majority of van drivers (73%) would support a UK-wide ban on smoking in all vehicles, commercial and private.

Whilst the smoking ban is not due to extend to England and Wales until summer 2007, there is little awareness of the upcoming changes in the law and confusion over what legislation on both sides of the border will mean, so many van drivers could be at risk of inadvertently breaking the law if they smoke behind the wheel.

Matthew Gledhill, Managing Director, Budget Van Insurance, says:-

"Our research shows that van drivers are largely in support of a smoking ban, with only 3% saying the intended ban on smoking in commercial vehicles in England and Wales is a bad thing. In fact, van drivers have told us they would like to see this ban extended to all vehicles on the road, with 73% saying they would support a wider ban. This would create a level playing field, and would stub out the current confusion over when you will and won't be able to smoke whilst driving."

Whilst many van drivers are in support of a smoking ban, most are unaware of the upcoming smoking legislation.

-- 73% of van drivers in the UK don't know about the ban in Scotland

-- 70% of van drivers are unaware a ban is to be introduced in England and Wales from summer 2007

With a third (33%) of van drivers, and nearly two-thirds (60%) of young van drivers (aged 17-24) saying they, or a colleague, smoke in their van, this leaves many at risk of breaking the law.

Matthew Gledhill continues:- "The Health Bill proposes that smoking will be banned from anywhere that constitutes a place of work, including vans, across England and Wales from summer 2007. However, the law may not apply to van drivers who own their own van, unless he or she is sharing it with a colleague. This could prove confusing for many - particularly as the colleague with whom you share doesn't need to be present with you in the vehicle at the time."

"In addition, van drivers must be aware that if they are crossing the border into Scotland anytime from 26 March this year they face spot checks and will be fined if caught smoking behind the wheel. To make things even more confusing, the law in Scotland is different to what's been proposed for England and Wales. Anyone using a van for work purposes, whether they own it or not, and whether they share it or not, cannot smoke in the van without breaking the law. So stub out that cigarette before crossing the border!"

Notes to Editors:

Survey conducted 03/03/06 - 16/03/06 by Tickbox.net to a total survey sample base of 1,813 adults

Key findings:

Van drivers are more likely to smoke than the UK average - 29% versus 25% of the general population

Almost half (42%) of van drivers share their vehicle with another person

A third of van drivers (33%) say that they, or another person, smoke in the cab of their van - this rises to as many as 60% among young drivers (17-24s)

Support for the ban is split between smokers and non-smokers:

Of current smokers, only 19% think the ban is a good thing, whilst 61% believe it's an infringement of personal choice, and 33% think it's an infringement of human rights

Among ex-smokers, the ban is largely supported, with 67% saying the ban is a good thing, but 23% still believe it's an infringement of personal choice

Non-smokers are fully in support of the ban, with 83% saying it's a good thing, only 12% saying it's an infringement of personal choice, and just 2.5% saying it's an infringement of human rights

Further legislation to make a smoking ban apply to all drivers, would be supported, with 73% believe smoking should be banned in all vehicles

16% of van drivers would support a complete and total ban on smoking in the UK, however, 88% think the government would be unlikely to introduce this due to the amount of money collected via taxes on tobacco products

47% of van drivers think smokers should pay for treatment for smoking related illnesses (rises to 73% among 17-24s)