LOCAL authority workers could be banned from smoking in their own cars while on council business.

Rossendale Council is considering introducing rules preventing employees from having a cigarette while using their own cars for work purposes, as part of their protocol for the smoking ban, which begins on July 1.

The issue was raised by Coun Christine Lamb at last week's cabinet meeting where the council's smoke-free enforcement protocol was being discussed. She said she thought the proposal was a bit extreme.

Coun Lamb, a non smoker, added after the meeting: "I just think it is unenforceable.

"I agree with the smoking ban but it just seems to be a bit over the top."

Gerry Foulds, chair of the Rossendale branch of union Unison, said that they had not been consulted on the smoking policy as yet so had not agreed with it, but it would be discussed at a future meeting.

Burnley and Pendle councils already have a similar protocol. In Burnley smoking is already banned in company vehicles and is banned in private cars when a passenger is being carried on official business, but otherwise is allowed.

And a spokesperson for Pendle Council said their workers were not allowed to smoke in their own cars in work time if they had an official passenger, but he was unsure about the protocol when there was no passenger.

A spokesperson for Rossendale Council saiddiscussions had not yet taken place with the trade unions so the policy was still up in the air.

He said: "All council vehicles will become smoke free on July 1.

"Further consultation is taking place with unions to determine the extent of our future smoke free policy."