Plan to ban smoking in cars carrying children
Labour are currently planning to ban smoking in cars carrying children, this is due to be put to a vote in the House of Lords later.
Labour says that if the vote is not passed it will include it in its manifesto for the next election.
In 2007 a ban on smoking in vehicles used for work was introduced, individuals caught breaking the law can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £50, reduced to £30 if paid within 15 days, or a maximum fine of £200 on conviction.
Calls to prohibit smoking in private vehicles when children are present have been raised in Parliament on several occasions since the 2007 ban came into effect.
Labour cites a YouGov poll from 2011 that found 78% of adults in Great Britain agreeing that smoking should be banned in cars carrying children younger than 18 years of age, while 44% agreed that smoking should be banned in all cars.
But pro-smoking groups think a ban is disproportionate, they insist most adult smokers choose not to smoke when they are in a car with children.
They are also angry at what they see as a stealth ban, after smoking in enclosed public spaces was made illegal, they fear the prohibition will eventually be extended into people’s homes.
As of yet there’s no mention as to what the fine would be if you’re caught smoking in a car carrying children.
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