Ban smoking in cars with children, urges city MP
ADULTS should be banned from smoking in cars when there are children on board, according to a Bristol MP.
Liberal Democrat Stephen Williams said children faced far more danger from a smoky car than from sitting in a pub before the smoking act.
The Bristol West MP said he was "reticent" about an outright ban, and admitted his proposals were open to "nanny state" charges.
Opponents have described using the law as a "gross over-reaction".
But Mr Williams said: "People will always say that.
"That is one of the reasons why I was reticent about an outright ban.
"If you are driving alone you are at your own risk."
He also said the dangers to other road-users of lighting up at the wheel should be considered.
The Liberal Democrat is chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health, which today calls for a full debate on banning smoking in cars – including outlawing the practice all altogether.
He said: "I would be in favour of a ban on smoking in vehicles where there is someone aged 16 or under.
"But before we get to that point, there needs to be a discussion.
"Previously the debate has been all about adults – it's time to move it on to children's health."
Mr Williams said the levels of smoke in a car with the windows closed were seven times higher than in a bar or pub before the Smoking Act of 2007.
Simon Clark, director of the smokers' lobby group Forest, said: "We don't condone people smoking in cars with children present.
"It's inconsiderate, certainly, but the evidence doesn't support the argument that smoking in cars is a serious health risk to children.
"Legislation is a gross over-reaction.
"What next, a ban on smoking in the home?"
Mr Williams has agreed that a new law could be difficult to enforce, saying this underlined the need for a consultation.
19 Comments
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by demmahom9
Tuesday, November 22 2011, 8:19AM
“If smoking is such a big concern in life why sell the bloody things in the first place. Eventually there will be bans for smoking at home aswell as outdoors. Oh I forgot big revenue for the government. Do they really care, I think not....
So people get a life and get on with it....”
by bobob3
Thursday, November 17 2011, 1:15PM
“its impossible to ban smoking in cars, what they can do is ban smoking whilst driving a car, but thats totally different and does not cover passengers.
Its the same as drinking alcohol in a car, I can sit in my car and drink as much as I want as long as there is no intention to drive , the law is regarding driving the car.”
by FishpondsMan
Thursday, November 17 2011, 12:26PM
“A smokescreen (ahem) for the real pollution problem in Bristol, exhaust gasses. Exhaust gasses are a proven killer of children as well as long standing health problems. I think you'll find the evidence for passive smoking is patchy at best. We now have a Lib Dem council spending tax payers money to create congestion (pollution)and killing people, which is a fact. Try and square that circle?
BCC now don't include exhaust gasses in their pollution reports, this will come back to haunt them as from January next year the EU will start fining councils for pollution levels. Do some research the EU are already threatening councils in London for sewerage pollution, the fines are reported to be around £1m a week.”
by winford
Thursday, November 17 2011, 12:18PM
“People ignore the 'no mobile phone' ban so I am sure they would still carry on smoking. I am a non smoker but I do think thats its 'legislation' gone too far when the govertment dictate what people can or cannot do in their own car.”
by The_Jester
Thursday, November 17 2011, 12:15PM
“WHY SHUD I STOP SMOKIN JUS COS I AV BRITNEY SHAZNEY, CHARDONAY CRYSTAL, MERCEDES WHITNEY, CHARMAINE KENZIE, LIBERTY BIANCA, TANISHIA AMBER AND LITTLE DWAYNE CORY BENTLEY IN DA CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THER MY KIDS AND IT AINT LIKE THEY BREAV SMOKE IN THA BOOZER ANYMORE COS THEY BANNED THAT AN ALL...
THEM LOT IN POWER, THEY DONT NO NUFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
by corncups
Thursday, November 17 2011, 11:45AM
“It's the innocent infants in pushchairs out with their mum's and dad's being smothered in poisonous pollutants at exhaust-pipe level that really should be concerning us.”
by dais9ma9ie
Thursday, November 17 2011, 10:48AM
“I am a smoker and enjoy having a ciggie on the way home from work in my car. I wouldn't smoke if there were children in the car. But for gods sake what is this world coming too, it makes me so angry to think they think up all these things, totally ridiculous.”
by RobBradStoke
Thursday, November 17 2011, 9:36AM
“Sadly Alpin - there are a number of parents who show no regard for the dangers of smoking in front of their kids.”
by Irritable9
Thursday, November 17 2011, 7:47AM
“Alpin - I think that would be a good idea actually but just think what that would do for the Evening Post, half of its stories would disappear!”
by bristolgeoff
Thursday, November 17 2011, 12:24AM
“just ban breathing and live in a oxygen tent.all the smog in the city is no good either”