Parliament has approved plans to make it illegal to smoke in cars carrying children.
From 1 October 2015, anyone lighting up in a car with a child under 18 present, will be breaking the law and could be handed a £50 fixed penalty notice. The final vote was passed 342 to 74.
Public health minister Jane Ellison said: ‘Three million children are exposed to secondhand smoke in cars, putting their health at risk. We know that many of them feel embarrassed or frightened to ask adults to stop smoking, which is why the regulations are an important step in protecting children from the harms of secondhand smoke.
‘The regulations will become part of the existing smokefree laws and would make it an offence to smoke or to fail to prevent smoking in a private vehicle with someone under the age of 18 present. The regulations do not apply to a driver on their own in a car.’
Public Health England is set to launch campaigns later in the year to raise awareness of the new legislation and the dangers that secondhand smoke in homes and cars can cause to children’s health.
The move has won warm support from Wigan Council, which in partnership with Tobacco Free Futures is launching an online video this week featuring stars from Peep Show and Hollyoaks to raise awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke in Wigan and Greater Manchester.
Cllr Paul Prescott, joint-chairman of the Wigan and Leigh Tobacco Control Alliance (TCA), said: ‘Cigarette smoke contains around 4,500 chemicals, 60 of which we know cause cancer. Children suffering the effects of secondhand smoke are admitted to Wigan hospitals every year with complications such as bronchitis, asthma and reduced lung function.
‘We know that secondhand smoke is particularly dangerous to young people within the enclosed confines of a car, even when the window is open or the air conditioning is on. We support smokefree cars and anything that will protect children from the dangers of secondhand smoke.’
