Ban on smoking in cars with children comes into effect

The government has brought a new law banning smoking in cars carrying under-18s into effect today (October 1st 2015).

New legislation in England and Wales makes it illegal not only to smoke in a vehicle carrying children, but also for drivers not to stop someone smoking in these circumstances. The fine for both offences is 50 pounds.

The aim of this is to protect children from the dangers of secondhand smoke, which can put them at risk of serious conditions such as meningitis, cancer, bronchitis and pneumonia, or make asthma more severe.

A study from Newcastle University, Public Health England and Fresh Smoke Free North East revealed that even with a car window open, levels of dangerous chemicals were over 100 times higher than recommended safety guidelines in cars containing a lit cigarette.

Professor Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer, said: "Smoking just a single cigarette in a vehicle exposes children to high levels of air pollutants and cancer-causing chemicals like arsenic, formaldehyde and tar."

It will also be illegal from today for retailers to sell e-cigarettes or e-liquids to someone under 18, and for adults to try to buy tobacco products or e-cigarettes for those underage.