UK van drivers have been found to be breaking the law as many are still lighting up behind the wheel.

New analysis from van and car insurance provider Direct Line has found that not only is this illegal practice continuing, but that many drivers are finding the resale value of their vehicles negatively affected through buyers being put off by evidence of smoking in the vehicle.

On July 1st last year, the government banned cigarette use in commercial vans in the interests of public health. Many other places, including pubs and bars, are also subject to this legislation - with smokers facing a fine if they are caught illegally lighting up.

The research also showed that cigarette use could be affecting both car and van insurance claims; with drivers who smoke found to be 23 per cent faster and therefore more at risk of suffering an accident, than non-smokers.

Direct Line has reported that around 7.5 million Britons remain "unaware" of these new laws.

Kate Syred, head of Direct Line for Business, said: "Business owners purchasing second hand vans are as demanding as those buying for personal use. Presentation can be key to protecting an asset such as a van. If there are burn marks, nicotine stains or a lingering smell, a business could lose out on a sale or have to drop the price by hundreds of pounds."

The Direct Line research was released in advance of the one-year anniversary of the national smoking ban, which outlawed cigarettes from most public places in Britain last July.