Ban smoking in vehicles - doctors

24 March 2010

Doctors have called for a ban on smoking in all vehicles in a bid to prevent children being subjected to damaging passive smoking at the hands of their parents or carers

A report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) revealed passive smoking causes at least 22,000 new cases of asthma and wheezing in children annually. It also found that each year more than 200 cases of meningitis in youngsters are also thought to be linked to the effects of second-hand smoke.

In addition, 40 babies die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDs) every year caused by passive smoking - 20% of all SIDs deaths.

Currently, smoking is only banned in company vehicles and drivers in their own cars can smoke if they wish.

To enforce the laws, police have to distinguish between company vehicles and private ones, and some say a blanket ban of smoking in all vehicles will make this easier.

Professor John Britton, chairman of the RCP's tobacco advisory group, said even drivers who never have child passengers should get out of their cars before lighting up for reasons of road safety.

Current smoke-free legislation is due for review this year and Prof Britton said it is an opportunity to "close remaining gaps".

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