Official figures have shown that drivers of work vehicles have borne the brunt of the smoking ban introduced last year by the Smoke-free (Premises, Vehicle Operators and Penalty Notices) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2007/94.
The Department of Health revealed that 177 fixed penalty notices were issued, together with 1,478 written warnings. It also stated that 36,240 premises were inspected and that a no smoking compliance rate of 97% was found.
However, the vast majority of fines have been given to drivers of work vehicles. White van men, taxi and lorry drivers have all been hit by on-the-spot £50 fines.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey claimed the ban represented a major milestone for public health. He added, "When at work and out socialising, we are no longer exposed to toxic second hand smoke that contains over 4,000 chemicals, many of which cause cancer, from which we previously had little or no protection."
