The Smoke-Free (Exemptions and Vehicles) Regulations 2007 were brought in by exercising the powers given in the Health Act 2006. They came into force on 1st July 2006 and only apply to England. They provide for most public and work vehicles to be smoke-free but also exempts some residential accommodation and places from being smoke-free under certain circumstances.
It has long been confirmed that secondhand smoke is a substantial public health hazard. Smoking legislation in the UK was introduced to reduce the risk to health from exposure to secondhand smoke and to recognise a person's right to be protected from harm and enjoy smoke-free air. The objective was also to increase the benefits of smoke-free enclosed public places and workplaces for people trying to give up smoking save lives by reducing overall smoking rates.
