SMOKING behind the wheel could see Huddersfield drivers facing prosecution, under new guidelines set out in the Highway Code.
For the first time in eight years, the code has been updated by the Government to include 29 new rules.
Among them, smokers are now warned that lighting up behind the wheel could be interpreted by police as distraction and failure to be in proper control of their vehicle.
Today Clr Martyn Bolt, who is responsible for transport and green services, questioned the Government’s tough stance against smoking.
He said: “The question is how much substance is there behind it? They seem to be bringing something in without any proof.
“We know talking on telephones risks road safety, we’ve seen the figures.
“I just wonder if smoking really is this much of a road safety issue. If people can be distracted by lighting cigarettes, how long will it be before we see legislation banning car music systems because changing radio stations is distracting? And will we be banning young children from cars too because they can be so distracting?”
The non-smoker called on car manufacturers to stop installing cigarette lighters in cars if the habit was so dangerous.
But Huddersfield road safety charity BRAKE welcomed the new rules.
Campaigner Dianne Ferreira said: “There are other distractions in cars, such as family, but as adults we can be strong to concentrate on the road and shut that out.
“But lighting a cigarette takes two hands when you think you have to get it out and light it.
“Clearly it is a distraction and an incredibly dangerous one. It takes attention off the road and hands off the wheel and causes drivers’ eyes to look away from the road.
“We welcome this and feel it is right that it should come under the new code.”
The document has also been updated to include the new legislation on vehicle emissions and smoking in vehicles that are work places.
New stopping and directing powers to the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and Highways Agency traffic officers have also been added.
And quiet lanes, high-occupancy vehicle lanes, home zones and active traffic management schemes are among the new road initiatives now referred to in the guide.
A new safety code for novice drivers to help them better navigate their first few months behind the wheel has also been included.
It tells new drivers: “If you are driving with passengers, you are responsible for their safety. Don’t let them distract you or encourage you to take risks.”
