Baltimore County To Ban Smoking In Government Vehicles

TOWSON, Md. (AP) -- Baltimore County is planning to ban employees from smoking in police cars, maintenance trucks and other government-owned vehicles.

A county health official confirmed the change in policy to The Baltimore Sun. The paper reports that the county health officer recommended the move last week. The change is being made after some nonsmoking employees complained about lingering cigarette smoke and because of health concerns.

The county owns about 1,500 vehicles including about 800 public safety vehicles such as police cars. The county's current policy is that employees may only smoke in a vehicle if they are riding alone.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)