Fleet managers’ association ACFO has called for harmon-isation of the laws governing smoking in vehicles.

Since anti-smoking legislation was introduced in Scotland 16 months ago, Wales, Northern Ireland and England have introduced slightly different rules.

These inconsistencies, according to ACFO, lead to confusion and fleets risk prosecution, especially if their vehicles move between countries.

For example, smoking is allowed in company cars in Scotland but generally not in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the specification of smoke-free signs is different in the four countries.

ACFO also objects to the continual use of the word ‘prim-arily’ in legislation referring to business/private use.

ACFO chairman Julie Jenner said: “It is very clear that the smoke-free legislation was ill thought out. Unfortunately, ACFO was not involved in helping draw up the guidelines.”