Rental vehicles in the United States and Canada are set to become smoke-free as the Avis Budget Group announced today its new policy which will roll-out as early as next month.

The decision will provide not only a healthier environment for users, but will also save on cleaning costs and comes as a result of analysis of requests from customers.

Executive Vice President for the group Larry De Shon confirmed that Avis receives more smoke-free vehicle special requests than any other type.

The group, which also operates Budget Rent A Car, will also extend the smoking ban to its employees and sub-contractors who utilise their vehicles.

The move involves a new process for inspection and customers will be asked to pay a cleaning fee if the vehicle is found to have residue or odours from tobacco smoke. De Shon claimed the initiative was aimed at enhancing comfort for customers, adhering to the famous motto ‘We Try Harder’.

The move has won favour amongst anti-smoking groups such as Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids which estimates that second-hand smoke contains over 60 carcinogens and some 4,000 chemicals. The enclosed environment within the vehicle also creates a more intense level of concentration than is found in pubs and clubs.

Residue from tobacco smoke also tends to linger and stain surfaces such as fabric and plastic which in turn leaves a nasty odour.

The company’s U.S and Canadian fleets will go 100% smoke free from October 1st, 2009.