Labour calls for ban on in-car smoking with children

Labour has called for a ban on smoking in cars when carrying children as passengers.

The proposal, as part of an amendment to the Children’s and Families Bill, will go before the House of Lords on Wednesday.

On Bing: see pictures of smoking drivers

Ban smoking in cars with kids? First let’s enforce the laws we’ve got

Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham has said the ban must be introduced to “protect children from preventable harm.”

So far, the Department of Health has always favoured education campaigns on smoking in private places rather than outright bans.

Andy Burnham:

“Adults are free to make their own choices but that often does not apply to children and that’s why society has an obligation to protect them from preventable harm.

“There is legislation banning the use of mobile phones when driving and requiring the wearing of seatbelts.”

There are already laws preventing smoking in vehicles used solely for work, such as pool cars or lorries, as they are classed as public places.

If ministers vote against Labour’s proposal, the party has said it will pledge to impose a ban if it wins next year’s general election.

On Bing: see pictures of smoking drivers

Ban smoking in cars with kids? First let’s enforce the laws we’ve got

Smoking in cars ‘breaks toxic limit’

By motoringresearch.com