England brought itself into line with the rest of the UK, and many other countries throughout the world after the ban on smoking in public places in England came into effect Sunday.(File Photo)

    BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhuanet) -- England brought itself into line with the rest of the UK, and many other countries throughout the world after the ban on smoking in public places in England came into effect Sunday.

    The ban means all public areas, offices and other enclosed or partially enclosed places of work, as well as most company vehicles, became no-smoking areas.

    Wales and Northern Ireland outlawed public smoking in April following the lead of Scotland last year.

    Campaigners in England have welcomed the move calling it the biggest boost to public health since the UK National Health Service was formed in 1948.

    Alan Johnson, the new Health Secretary, said the ban would improve "health inequalities" across the UK and encourage people to quit smoking.

    "I am thrilled my first major announcement as Health Secretary enacts the most important public health legislation for a generation."

    "The scientific and medical evidence is clear - second-hand smoke kills. There is no safe level of exposure. This legislation means that thousands of lives will be saved and the health of everybody will be protected."

     Those breaking the law will be treated severely -- a smoker caught in the act faces a fine of up to 200 pounds, and businesses that flout the law face fines of up to 2,500 pounds.

    Offshore oil rigs, hotel rooms and prison cells are among the few places where public smoking will continue to be permitted. People will also still be able to smoke at home.

    However, not everyone welcomes the ban. David Hockney, the artist who has been waging a campaign against the ban, called it a "grotesque piece of social engineering" imposed by a "political and media elite."

    (Agencies)