UK to Ban Smoking in Cars With Children on Board

Smoking in cars with children present will soon be illegal in the United Kingdom.

The new legislation is expected to be passed next month and the ban will come in full force starting October 2015. The law won’t apply just to parents, but to anyone driving with a child on board. Those breaking the law can be punished with a fine up to £800 ($1,270) while drivers that fail to stop passengers from smoking in a car with children can face fines up to £10,000 ($15,860).

The law will be made under provisions in the Children and Families Act and applies to anyone caught smoking in a car carrying anyone under the age of 18. Enforcement officers will be able to issue a fixed penalty of £50 ($79) and if the case goes to court the maximum fines could apply.

“We want to protect children from the harms associated with second-hand smoke and the Government will proceed with the introduction of regulations to end smoking in private vehicles carrying children in England,” said public health minister Jane Ellison.

[Source: Daily Mail]