FOR DECADES motor racing was synonymous with promotion of tobacco products but, in Europe at least, all that has ended - just in time.

The new Smokefree Law effective from July 1 is going to require a major change in the habit of everyone using a vehicle for work - and enforcement by managers responsible for the vehicles.

Amazingly, half the companies questioned in a recent survey were oblivious to the impact of the legislation.

The new law will apply for vehicles to be smokefree at all times if used to transport members of the public or in the course of paid or voluntary work by more than one person, regardless of whether they are in the vehicle at the same time.

One exception is vehicles with a roof that can be stowed or removed when not in place - but then smoking while driving or riding in an open-top car never was a bright idea.

The new law will require no smoking signs in all smokefree vehicles.

Penalties are a fixed penalty £50 fine (£30 if paid in 15 days) on the person smoking, or a maximum £200 fine (£150 if paid in 15 days) if prosecuted and convicted by a court, a £200 fixed penalty notice (or maximum £1,000 court fine) for failing to display no smoking signs in a work vehicle and a maximum £2,500 fine for failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree vehicle.

A telephone line (0800 587 1667) will be in operation from July 1 for employees and members of the public to report possible breaches of the law, with information passed to local councils responsible for enforcement.