MSPs vote to ban smoking in cars with children in them - a major victory, says ASH Scotland.
An anti-smoking charity has hailed a law banning smoking in cars that kids are in as a victory for children.
MSPs voted to bring in the ban yesterday (16 December) and it will come into effect next year.
Then, anyone caught smoking in a private vehicle carrying someone under the age of 18 will face a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a court fine of up to £1,000.
ASH Scotland welcomed the passage of the smoking prohibition (children in vehicles) bill.
This is a victory for doctors, nurses, parents and, most of all, for children
Chief executive Sheila Duffy said: “This is a victory for doctors, nurses, parents and, most of all, for children.
“We know the immense harm done to children by second-hand smoke. Meningitis, lung cancer and even cot death have been linked to tobacco smoke. I’m delighted that we’ve introduced this sensible measure to protect children’s health.
“This law is well supported by parents, with 85% of Scottish adults and 72% of smokers supporting protecting children in this way, as well as the police, children’s groups and the RAC.
“And it will play a vital part in meeting Scotland’s world-first target to cut young people’s exposure to second-hand smoke in half by 2020.”
Minister for public health, Maureen Watt, said: “This government is absolutely committed to protecting children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
“Smoking remains the primary preventable cause of ill health and death in Scotland – ultimately killing one in two long-term users. This costs the NHS as much as £300 million to £500 million each year.
“The evidence on the harmful effects of second-hand smoke is also clear, which is why last year we announced a target to reduce the proportion of children in Scotland exposed in the home from 12% to 6% by 2020 – potentially saving 50,000 Scottish children from second-hand smoke.
“This bill will contribute to those aims, and I am delighted that it has now been passed.
“The purpose of this legislation is ultimately to achieve culture and behaviour change. Scotland has led the way with the ban on smoking in public places, the display ban and our commitment to a tobacco free generation – these have had a positive effect on public health and we are confident that a ban on smoking in cars with children will do likewise.”
