Posted By warderic Sitting on the M25 today, traffic stopped, nothing to do so I carried out visual survey on the famous smoking ban; sad I know. I counted 20 lorries and observed the drivers. 14 out of 20 were smoking in their cabs. Some of these lorries were owned by big name companies. I had to ask myself 'are these regulations working or are they selective and only apply to the poor Joe soap who works in the factory,office or enjoys a fag with his pint'.

Posted By Crim Last week at my overnight hotel I saw a sign outside the pub that read "no smoking within 10 metres of the building". Is this correct, if so why do people get away with smoking just outside the entrance?

Posted By warderic Within 2 weeks of the smoking ban one of my companies was inspected by the local council. They were very interested in looking at all our company vehicles to see if there were "No Smoking" signs displayed in the front and back seats. They then went on to inspect the exit doors to see if they had the correct signs. I having nothing better to do, ha ha, accompanied them, they really done a thorough job looking at "No Smoking' signs to see if they said 'No Smoking' and apparently they only get 17K pa for doing this interesting and vital.

Posted By clairel One the one hand the law is the law on the otherhand I have some sympathy with long distance lorry drivers. I think it more goes to show that blanket bans are ineffective. Just like hard hat zones being daft for a roofer. Or 20 mile an hour zones outside schools duing the holidays or at three in the morning. I'm an ex-smoker and hate the smell of smoking and so I am chuffed to bits that everywhere is smoke free. However, I feel sorry for places like the working mens clubs where they can't designate a smoking room. As long as the staff aren't forced to work in there then what is the problem. Customers can go to the non smoking area to get a pint and then be asked to take their glass back when finished. Clean the room when it's empty (I can't see the risk from the smell of stale smoke myself). Same with lorry drivers. If it's only them in the cab at the time then I can't see the problem. Sure the smell isn't nice if someone gets in at a later date but there's no risk surely? Isn't that what the law was about, preventing risk? However, how come it's not illegal to smoke whilst driving but it its illegal to drink (soft drinks), eat or use a phone. Lighting a fag is just a dangerous and I had a fair few come back in the window when I threw them out. Now that's dangerous. Seems contradictory, the law, to me.

Posted By AMelrose Agree that the doorway isn't the best place to smoke but still prefer that to having to sit next to someone with a fag in hand inside the building where I may not have any control over opening windows etc. Clothes no longer smell like a full ashtray at the end of the night and can eat food without having to eat the smoke from the next table at the same time. As for lorry / van drivers - if there are no other people using their vehicle (or sharing) and they aren't distracted lighting up or throw their butt out the window etc then it's only their health they are affecting. Have done the "count" myself on a 25 mile journey and was up to 43 when I turned into the car park where I work. Then there's counting car drivers with fog lights on and no fog..or no lights and really foggy... Oh the joys of driving!

Posted By clairel Don't think they are doing it on purpose. Oddly I was discussing this with a lady the other day who is about 8 weeks into her 'giving 'up' (been 10 years for me). We both agreed that when you are a smoker you don't realise how much other people can smell your cigarette or (even worse) how badly you smell of smoke. It mortifies me that I used to smell like that! However, oddly I have always hated the smell of stale smoke, even when I was a smoker! I find even the smell of smoke outdoors offensive nowadays. I was on a ferry last year and after wading my way past all the hoards of smokers in their smoking area at the entrance to the decks (why do I have no option but to walk through their smoking area!) I was relieved to stand on the deck and take in the fresh air. Someone walked past me with a fag in their hand and politely I told them they couldn't smoke at this location only in the smoking area.I got a mountain of abuse back. But thinking back, as a smoker I would have been the same because I just didn't take into account how much it offended non-smokers. So much as the smokers irritate me I can sort of understand as I was exactly the same once.

Posted By Sen Sar Warderic I feel they work, they have so far stopped me enjoying a ciggie: On the plane On the train On the bus In the pub In the Cinema Well just about everywhere except a drafty doorway !!

Posted By Charles Robinson Tech IOSH No body gives a thought for the poor tobacco manufactures’ that have to go to third world counties (to make a killing) in order to replace profits lost due to the smoking ban. Yes the smoking ban is for health reasons nicotine is an addictive drug a fact that was denied for years. If as a result the poor chap that used to enjoy a cigar with his pint lives a few more years in reasonably good health with all his limbs. Can not see the benefit I pity him

Posted By Sen Sar Just for Charles, slightly off topic sorry Warderic! Having been fortunate enough to visit many "third world countries" many actually do have smoking bans.

Posted By Merv Newman Confessions of a pipe smoker : I'm quite happy with the bans as applied in various countries and comply with them as required. A puff can always wait. (just waiting for the warm weather so I can smoke on the terrace while taking a coffee) Sooon. Late last year I spent a couple of weeks in the local teaching hospital. Was pleased to note that the area outside the main door was fully equipped with a large bronze ashtray. Usually about a dozen of us surrounding it at all hours. Actually, not ALL hours. Main doors were locked, for security reasons, from midnight to 6am. But the (us) light sleepers easily found which emergency exit doors were blocked open for the convenience of staff. Some patients came out with drip trolleys, some in wheelchairs, some with oxygen cylinders. The fun bit was watching someone with an oxygen mask trying to smoke. Seeing them flicking away with a lighter then going Puff, breathe. Puff, breathe. Puff, breathe ... was quite, er, breath taking (?) Must get one of those electric thingies. Merv

Posted By water67. Well everyone knows truckers have all the bad habits: smoking, bad diet, no exercise..probably drink too much at weekends..pollute the air with fuel fumes.. hmm anything else..not that i am being "judgemental" haha finish tonight for Easter break..have a nice weekend.. be careful rolling those eggs!!!!!!!!!! Cheers

Posted By Sen Sar Carlsberg dont do truckers but if they did.................................. Ah well back to reality.

Posted By warderic Liberson: Good comment I know about the one driver/occupier rule but I didn't think of owners of cabs who transport for big companies. Just shows how you can improve your thinking when you discuss these things; bit like a risk assessment I suppose.

Posted By graeme12345 Warderic, how many "compartments" in your vehicles, don't let the incompetents get away with it