A smoke-free policy has been introduced for staff, councillors, visitors and contractors at all Cambridgeshire County Council sites.

The policy applies indoors and outdoors and also to park and ride sites.

The launch coincides with national stop smoking campaign, Stoptober and comes after county councillors voted for it earlier this year.

A spokesman said: “Evidence shows there is no safe level of exposure to second hand smoke.”

Cambridgeshire county councillor, Tony Orgee, chairman of the county’s health and well-being board, said: “I’m really pleased to see the county council leading on this.

“The policy sends out a clear message that smoking, both active and passive, is harmful to health and is costly to society. We ask employees, contractors and visitors to respect this policy.”

Cambridgeshire county councillor, Kilian Bourke, chairman of the health committee, said: “Introducing a smoke free policy across all our sites sends out a strong message that we are taking this responsibility seriously.

“At least 770 Cambridgeshire people die of smoking-related illness annually, which is more than three times the number of deaths caused by alcohol, road traffic accidents and drug misuse together, so it is vital that we get this message across very clearly.

“It is also important that, rather than just banning smoking on its property, the council provides intensive ongoing support for staff who want to quit with Camquit advisors offering advice and support to anyone living or working in Cambridgeshire.

“I’d urge anyone considering quitting to take up the free offer from Camquit. By using their expertise, you are five times more likely to quit for good.”

Each year in England it is estimated that smoking costs society approximately £13.74 billion.

This is made up of output lost from early death, smoking breaks, NHS care, sick days, passive smoking, domestic fires, and smoking litter.