Isnt lighters and matches already banned from taking on board a aircraft..

Nope!

These items (such as normal safety matches) are allowed to be carried on your person.

With all the post 9/11 security measures I am surprised lighters, matches etc weren't prohibited. I don't see why a ban on those things can't be assessed as they are not required onboard for any reason.

OK I'm curious, how would you propose that they effectively police something like that?

Nigel I have no idea what technology is available, if any, to police a ban like that but perhaps in the future there may be a way.

I think the original reason they were allowed on board after smoking was prohibited was due to the fact they are unsafe to carry in hold luggage. It was safer to have them on your person where they can't accidently start a fire in the hold.

That was as a dangerous goods perspective.

Since the shoe bombing attempt numerous years ago, I'm surprised that they haven't placed a ban on carrying them. It would just mean that it is impossible to carry lighters/matches to where you are going, which I'm sure would upset those who need a cigarette immediately before and after a flight, but accomodations for those people can be made in airport smoking lounges.

As to if it is possible to police - It is no more difficult to police than the ban on liquids. The new scanning technology that is on its way shows an alarming amount of detail, almost down to being able to tell your religion :D and I'm sure matches would show up ;)

As if my toga and sandles (aka flip flops or jandles for the Kiwi audience) didn't give it away!!!!