England Has Banned Smoking In Cars With Children

Smoking in cars with children is something that’s hugely frowned upon. Children know no better about the dangers of second-hand smoke, but the dangers are very real. These include an increased chance of contracting meningitis, being affected by asthma and losing life through cot death.

In a bid to save lives and to reduce health risks (three million children breathe in second-hand smoke), it will be illegal for drivers of cars to smoke with children on board. The new law - which takes effect from 1 October - does not apply to drivers of convertible cars when the roof is down.

Drivers who continue to smoke in front of children from 1 October will be hit with a £50 fine.

Smoking bans in cars with minors is no new thing. It is already illegal to do so in Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Mauritius, South Africa (under 12s only), the UAE and some parts of the U.S. The ban is also set to be enforced in Finland, Israel, Ireland and Taiwan.

From a personal perspective, the ban can’t come soon enough. I already hate seeing parents smoking around their children on the way to school etc and loathe seeing adults lighting up in the car with children none the wiser to the dangers.

What’s your opinion?