Written question asked by Ashok Kumar (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 April 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 April 2006. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Monday, 24 April 2006 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Drivers (Smoking Ban)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to ban smoking while driving.

Answer: There are no plans to introduce legislation to ban smoking while driving.Road traffic legislation already places responsibility on all drivers to have proper control of their vehicles. Any motorist who fails to do so, for whatever reason, such as smoking, or eating and drinking, is liable to prosecution.Rule 126 of the current edition of the Highway Code highlights the need to concentrate and avoid distractions while driving. The consultation paper published in February 2006 on the revision of the code proposes the addition of smoking”” in the list of potential distractions to be avoided.

Secondary information