Public in support of smoking ban in cars

Three-quarters of the nation are in support of a smoking ban in cars carrying children

Smoking in cars with children could soon be banned if the public had anything to do with it.

According to a recent YouGov poll, three-quarters of the nation wants smoking in cars with children on board to be banned.

‘There’s a wealth of medical and public backing for a ban on smoking in cars with children,’ said Rachael Jolley, the Faculty of Public Health’s head of policy.

Attitudes towards smoking have changed considerably over the last few decades, shown by the large majority in support of the ban.

Although, some would say Professor Steve Field, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, went too far with his support of the ban last week.

He caused controversy when he argued that parents who smoked in front of their children were ‘committing a form of child abuse.’

Politicians, are hesitant to push the ban through, as they are worried about the public’s reaction to legislation that controls their actions in the private sphere.

However, with reports showing that second-hand smoke can be 27 times more toxic in a car than in the home, one hopes the government would listen to the majority and push the ban through.

‘The public is sending out a strong message in this survey and the government should act on this,’ said Professor Mitch Blair from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Passive smoking has often been associated with chest infections, asthma, ear infections, and even cot death.

The Department of Health recognises this, but thinks that legislation is not needed to stop parents smoking in cars. ‘Most people know about the dangers of passive smoking, particularly with regards to children. It is important parents take responsibility for their children’s health,’ they said.

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