Smoking Ban In Cars
A new law comes into force from today banning anyone from smoking in a car if a child is present.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It comes as shocking new figures show that toxic chemicals from tobacco are 100 times higher in a vehicle - even with the window open.
The new law which protects children from the effects of tobacco smoke will see the driver and any smoker fined #50 if they have someone under 18 in the car too.
Recent research looked at testing drivers on a 20 minute route, replicating a school run, using volunteer smokers. Dummies were used in the back as no children were involved. Despite common misconception, even driving with the windows open while smoking exposed those in the back to dangerous levels of chemicals. The test found even with the window open, levels were more than 100 times higher than recommended safety guidelines. And with windows closed and the fans on, levels were more than 200 times the safe limits. Levels of poisonous carbon monoxide were two to three times worse than on a busy road at rush hour.
Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director for Health and Wellbeing for Public Health England, added: This experiment unearths shocking data, reinforcing that smoking in vehicles with a child is never safe. Even with the window down you are still putting your child at risk of developing serious health conditions.''
Tobacco Free Futures in Manchester helped campaign for a change in the law.
WATCH: As our Chief Reporter Michelle Livesey explores what the new law means for motorists in Manchester:
Questions you may have:
:: What does the new law on smoking in cars say?
From today it is illegal to smoke in a car or other vehicle with anyone under 18 present. Both the driver and the smoker could be handed a #50 fixed penalty. It does not apply to a 17-year-old driving on their own.
:: What if the car is a convertible?
The law applies to private vehicles enclosed wholly or partly by a roof, so if the car is a convertible and the top is down and stowed, then it is legal to smoke even if a child is in the back.
:: Can someone smoke with children in the back if they open the sunroof?
No, even if the sunroof is open, the car is still classed as being enclosed.
:: What about if they park up for a smoke and open the door?
Again, the law applies. It is illegal to smoke in a car with children present if the car is moving or stationary.
:: What about motorhomes?
The legislation applies to motorhomes, campervans and caravans when they are being used as a vehicle but does not apply when they are being used as living accommodation.
:: What about e-cigarettes in the car?
The new law does not forbid smoking e-cigarettes in a car when children are present.