England, Wales Bans Smoking In Cars With Children Under 18

Posted by: knowledgeherald in News October 1, 2015 2,385 Views

England and Wales have banned smoking in cars with children. The new legislation is in effect from today, but police and local authorities are expected not to issue a rash of fines now.

The National Police Chief’s Council spokeswoman said an educational advisory and non-confrontational approach is required for certain period of time, probably for first three months from now.

The new law has been designed to protect the children from getting affected to tobacco smoke. Driver and others are not allowed to smoke if anyone under 18 is seated in the car.

However, there are some limitations to the new legislation. It will not be applicable to convertibles if the top is down and stowed. Smoking with children on it will not be considered as illegal.

It is important here to mention the car will still be considered under the new law if the sunroof is open. The car will be classed as enclosed.

More to all these, the smoking will not be allowed having kids even if a car is not moving and the doors are kept open.

The new law is applicable to caravans, campervans and motorhomes if these are moving, but will not be applicable if used as living accommodation.

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are not forbidden under the new legislation. The fine for any of the condition is fixed to £50.

Data from British Lung Foundation reveals over 430,000 children are exposed in cars every week for such second-hand smoke condition.