Menu
02/06/2015
Welsh Government To Vote On Smoking Ban In Cars
A vote is to take place in the Welsh Assembly today on banning people from smoking in cars when children are present.
If approved, the ban would come into effect on 1 October, 2015, with a similar ban in England also being enforced on the same day.
In 2007, legislation was passed in Wales to make smoking in enclosed public places illegal. It was introduced to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, and while the legislation also covers public and work vehicles, it doesn't extend to private vehicles.
However, the new regulations will make it an offence to smoke in an enclosed private vehicle when more than one person is present, at least one of whom is under the age of 18, and for a driver to fail to prevent smoking in such circumstances. Offenders will face a fixed penalty notice of £50 for each offence.
Mark Drakeford, Health and Social Services Minister, said: "Some people believe that opening the window of a car will help disperse smoke but in reality it simply blows back in. It causes a real and substantial threat to children's health.
"Children cannot escape from the toxic chemicals contained in second-hand smoke when travelling in cars. They often don't have a choice over whether or not they travel in cars and may not feel able to ask an adult to stop smoking.
"If passed by AMs today, the regulations will introduce a ban to protect children under 18 from the harms associated with second-hand smoke when travelling in private vehicles.
"As with the existing smoke-free regulations, success will not be based on the number of enforcement actions that are taken but by how behaviour, attitudes and health outcomes change over time."
(JP)
If approved, the ban would come into effect on 1 October, 2015, with a similar ban in England also being enforced on the same day.
In 2007, legislation was passed in Wales to make smoking in enclosed public places illegal. It was introduced to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, and while the legislation also covers public and work vehicles, it doesn't extend to private vehicles.
However, the new regulations will make it an offence to smoke in an enclosed private vehicle when more than one person is present, at least one of whom is under the age of 18, and for a driver to fail to prevent smoking in such circumstances. Offenders will face a fixed penalty notice of £50 for each offence.
Mark Drakeford, Health and Social Services Minister, said: "Some people believe that opening the window of a car will help disperse smoke but in reality it simply blows back in. It causes a real and substantial threat to children's health.
"Children cannot escape from the toxic chemicals contained in second-hand smoke when travelling in cars. They often don't have a choice over whether or not they travel in cars and may not feel able to ask an adult to stop smoking.
"If passed by AMs today, the regulations will introduce a ban to protect children under 18 from the harms associated with second-hand smoke when travelling in private vehicles.
"As with the existing smoke-free regulations, success will not be based on the number of enforcement actions that are taken but by how behaviour, attitudes and health outcomes change over time."
(JP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 October 2005
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
01 October 2015
Ban On Smoking In Cars With Children Comes Into Force
A ban on smoking in cars carrying anyone under 18 comes into force today, Thursday, 01 October. The new legislation in England and Wales makes it illegal to smoke in a vehicle carrying someone who is under 18. It is now also against the law for a driver not to stop someone smoking in these circumstances. Both offences is £50.
Ban On Smoking In Cars With Children Comes Into Force
A ban on smoking in cars carrying anyone under 18 comes into force today, Thursday, 01 October. The new legislation in England and Wales makes it illegal to smoke in a vehicle carrying someone who is under 18. It is now also against the law for a driver not to stop someone smoking in these circumstances. Both offences is £50.
15 July 2014
Wales To Ban Smoking In Cars With Children
Wales is to introduce a ban on smoking in cars when children are present, First Minister Carwyn Jones has announced. Mr Jones said that the ban aims to protect children from the effects of second-hand smoke in a confined space.
Wales To Ban Smoking In Cars With Children
Wales is to introduce a ban on smoking in cars when children are present, First Minister Carwyn Jones has announced. Mr Jones said that the ban aims to protect children from the effects of second-hand smoke in a confined space.
06 February 2012
Campaign Launched To Ban Adults From Smoking In Cars With Children
A campaign to eventually ban adults from smoking in cars with children present has been launched in Wales. The campaign will try to reduce children’s exposure to second-hand smoke within three years, but move to ban if it fails to do so.
Campaign Launched To Ban Adults From Smoking In Cars With Children
A campaign to eventually ban adults from smoking in cars with children present has been launched in Wales. The campaign will try to reduce children’s exposure to second-hand smoke within three years, but move to ban if it fails to do so.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
