'No plans' to ban drivers from smoking

Transport minister Dr Stephen Ladyman made the statement in a written parliamentary answer. He said: "There are no plans to bring forward legislation to ban smoking while driving."

The news will come as a disappointment to road safety campaigners, who earlier this month urged ministers to consider a ban. The Local Authority Road Safety Officers' Association (LARSOA) called for the ban to reduce accidents.

The organisation claimed drivers put their own and their passengers' lives at risk when they take their hands off the wheel to light a cigarette, or when ash falls in the vehicle.

Dr Ladyman said existing laws made not being in control of your car an offence, whatever the reason. He said an addition to the new Highway Code would add "smoking" to the list of potential distractions to be avoided.