Ban on smoking in cars carrying children comes into force

The new law, which is also coming into force in England, means:

• From today, it will be illegal to smoke in private vehicles when someone under the age of 18 is present;

• A private vehicle must be smoke-free if it is enclosed, there is more than one person present and one of them is under the age of 18;

• It will be an offence for a person of any age to smoke in a private vehicle when someone under the age of 18 is present and for a driver, including a provisional driver, not to stop someone smoking in these circumstances;

• The fixed penalty notice fine for both offences is £50. Somebody who commits both offences could get two fines;

• The rules do not apply to e-cigarettes;

• The law does not apply when someone under the age of 18 is smoking and is the only person in the vehicle;

• Police and local authorities will enforce the regulations.

Research show 17% of children from poorer families report that smoking was allowed in their car compared to 7% of those from more affluent families.

Twenty per cent of children with smoking parents said that smoking is allowed in their family car.

Cllr Huw George, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “Pembrokeshire County Council is actively involved in promoting initiatives that encourage people to choose a healthier lifestyle, especially when it involves young people. Some of our recent decisions show our dedication to this. This new legislation aims to protect children from exposure to second-hand smoke and it should be applauded.”

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford added: “This change in the law is about protecting those children and young people who have no choice but to inhale the second-hand smoke of others. When people decide to light-up while children are in the car with them they risk the lives of those young people.

“Second-hand tobacco smoke is linked to a range of potentially fatal conditions, including the likes of sudden infant death syndrome, lung infections and asthma.

“Even when the windows are open children cannot escape the dangers of second-hand tobacco smoke – the evidence shows the level of toxic fumes remains high in the enclosed space of the care and smoke is actually blown into the backseat area of the car.

“We know people who do smoke in their car with children know they shouldn’t and this law will help push them in the right direction. It also adds to our efforts to make Wales a smoke- free nation.

“This is an opportunity for some people to change their lives for the better. With one less place to smoke, there’s one more reason to quit. We will provide support and advice for those who want to achieve this.”

Two other changes to the law come into force in Wales and England on October 1:

• It will be an offence to sell e-cigarettes to anyone under 18;

• It will be an offence to buy tobacco products or e-cigarettes on behalf of someone under 18 – this is known as a proxy purchase.

To find out more about the changes to the law and for help to quit smoking go to www.freshstartwales.co.uk. With one less place to smoke, there’s one more reason to quit. Sign up to Stoptober at www.stopsmokingwales.com/stoptober.