A tough new policy which will ban people from smoking on Aberdeenshire Council grounds – including within their own cars – has come into effect.
The local authority has declared itself “smoke free” as the changes are implemented – prohibiting smokers from lighting up on the grounds of such buildings as leisure centres, care homes and offices.
Though the policy does not extend to pay and display car parks, smoking will be banned within vehicles parked on all other council properties.
The local authority said it was following a model put in place by the likes of NHS Grampian and Edinburgh City Council.
The policy will initially be implemented at the main council offices and will roll out to other sites in the coming months.
Chairman of the Aberdeenshire health inequalities group, Douglas Milne, said: “Aberdeenshire is one of the first few Scottish local authorities to implement the government’s strategy for creating a tobacco-free generation.
“It is through the leadership of local authorities, the NHS and the government that we can begin to diminish the appeal of smoking.
“The health and well-being of our staff and residents is of top concern and this is representative of that.”
The local authority’s policy and resources committee backed the plans last month.
However several members spoke out against the changes, branding it “unenforceable” before the wording within the policy was amended.
Banchory councillor, Jill Webster, said: “I am very keen to see the council doing what it can to encourage people not to smoke.
“It will be difficult for some people who do smoke and I hope we can offer assistance to people who wish to quit.”
She added the policy had initially been worded in a way that could be interpreted as applying to all council car parks – including pay and display ones.
She added: “To me it was imperative that this was amended.”
Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside councillor Peter Argyle added: “I think there was never any question when it came up at policy and resources that it was a great thing to do, and it is all part of the process of reducing the opportunity for people to smoke and that is absolutely right.
“It is good to see that words now been put in place takes account of the issues we raised at the committee.”
Council c-leader, Richard Thomson, said: “Public health outcomes in Scotland have improved considerably since the smoking ban for enclosed public spaces was introduced in 2006.
“This is a logical next step in protecting our employees and visitors from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
“I’m pleased that as a result of this new policy, people going to and coming from Aberdeenshire Council properties will now be able to enjoy the same smoke-free environment in the vicinity of council buildings as they are entitled to expect inside.”
