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Written By: Agencies | Updated : February 13, 2015 11:09 AM IST
London, Feb 12: The British Parliament has cleared a new law that bans smoking in cars carrying children as passengers. The move, which will become law on October 1, follows a similar ban in Wales and aims to protect young people under 18 from second-hand smoke.
Scotland is also considering introducing a ban, making this a UK-wide law. Anyone found flouting the law in England could be fined 50 pounds. The British Lung Foundation welcomed the ban as a victory, which claims that more than 430,000 children are exposed to second-hand smoke in cars each week. (Read: How smoking can kill your child)
The new ban will not apply to anyone driving alone or driving in a convertible car with the top down. The regulations were passed in the House of Commons this week after 342 MPs voted in favour of legislation while just 74 voted against. Passive smoke in children can increase the risk of asthma, meningitis and cot death, say public health experts. UK public health minister, Jane Ellison, said, Three million children are exposed to second hand smoke in cars, putting their health at risk. (Read: Your smoking could give your loved ones a heart attack)
We know that many of them feel embarrassed or frightened to ask adults to stop smoking which is why the regulations are an important step in protecting children from the harms of second-hand smoke, she said. While there is wide support for the ban, some feel it is an unnecessary intrusion.
Source: PTI
Photo source: Getty images
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