Drivers banned from smoking in car with children
DRIVERS who smoke in a vehicle with anyone under the age of 18 could be fined up to £1000.
The Scottish Government has introduced a new law banning anyone smoking in a vehicle where children are present.
The legislation was introduced to give extra protection for children and young people from the harm caused by second-hand smoke.
Anyone caught breaking the law will be committing an offence carrying a fine of up to £1000.
Second-hand smoke can cause serious conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma, and children are more at risk than adults because they have smaller lungs and breathe more quickly.
Studies have also shown the average toxic particle levels breathed in during a smoking car journey are more than 10 times higher than the average levels which can be found in the air.
A public information campaign has been running on TV and radio in the run-up to the ban, highlighting the harms of second-hand smoke and the penalties for breaking the new law.
The measure is part of the Scottish Government’s ambition to create a tobacco-free generation by 2034 – defined as a smoking rate of less than 5%. A target to reduce the proportion of children exposed to second-hand smoke in the home from 12% to 6% by 2020 has already been met.
Aileen Campbell, Minister for Public Health and Sport, said: “This government is committed to protecting children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
"Our target to reduce the proportion of children exposed in the home from 12 per cent to six per cent by 2020 has been met five years early.
"The ban on smoking in cars will help to build on that success by reinforcing the message that the toxic fumes from cigarette smoke are harmful – particularly to children.”