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Painter fined for smoking in own van

Monday, 28 Jul 2008 15:17
A painter has, quite ludicrously, been fined for smoking in his own van
Gordon Williams, a painter and decorator in Ceredigion, Wales, is set to challenge a £30 fine he received for smoking in his van.

This act was deemed as violating the smoking ban, which covers 'smoking in the workplace', which is what his van was deemed to be.

Other than the rather comedic aspects of the 'crime', vehicle auction company, BCA, has said Mr Williams and other 'van smokers' could be bringing more problems on themselves in the future.

Tim Naylor, PR manager at BCA, said: "Presentation is one of the strongest price factors in the used car market and becomes even more important when used vehicle values are under pressure, as they are now.

"Buyers have their pick of a huge range of used cars and vans and any vehicle that is below par in terms of its condition may well be passed over.

"Professional buyers always favour cars that are in the best possible condition and will pay the most for them," Naylor added.

"Presentation is not just about how it looks, but how it smells. As well as the potential fine if caught smoking in a work vehicle – which is classed as a public place – the loss of value should be another good reason for businesses to make sure employees avoid lighting up in company vans.

"This will avoid the lingering smell of cigarettes hanging in the interior as well as eliminate the risk of discolouring and leaving scorch marks on the interior trim or upholstery. All of these things put buyers off, even if they smoke themselves."

"With buyers having the upper hand in the current market, it’s vital that businesses selling company vehicles make sure that they are in the best possible condition.

"Any vehicle that has been heavily smoked in will undoubtedly be at a disadvantage. Small businesses would do well to follow the lead set by professional business sellers who realised that smoker’s vehicles were less desirable and were depreciating at a faster rate.

"At the end of the day, drivers don’t want to be reminded of the previous owner every time they get behind the steering wheel," Naylor concluded.

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