Scottish Parliament may ban smoking in cars carrying children

The public smoking ban could be extended to cars in which children are travelling, under plans for a private bill by Labour’s public health spokesman.

Dr Richard Simpson is proposing to introduce legislation at the Scottish parliament to prevent children being exposed to second-hand smoke in private vehicles.

While smoking is banned in commercial vehicles, such as lorries, and on public transport, cars are currently exempt.

Simpson, who was instrumental in pushing forward the current ban on smoking in enclosed public places while Labour was in power at Holyrood, said there was cross-party support for it to be extended. Similar measures have already been introduced in countries including America, Australia, Canada and Puerto Rico.

“The important thing at this stage is to encourage the government to undertake research. We can then assess the effects of implementation,” he said.

The former GP said he would introduce a member’s bill if the measure is not included in Labour’s manifesto for next year’s Holyrood election. Simpson, the MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife and a member of Holyrood’s health and sport committee, said a ban could be introduced as early as 2014.

However, he added that he would not support a total ban on lighting up in vehicles because there was no evidence that it contributed to dangerous driving. “We should not interfere with people’s liberty unless what they do harms other people,” he said.

A report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) earlier this year concluded that across the UK at least 22,000 new cases of asthma and wheezing in children are linked to the effects of secondhand smoke.

In addition, the report found that more than 20,000 chest infections, 120,000 cases of middle ear disease and 200 cases of meningitis in youngsters are also thought to be linked to second-hand smoke.

Simpson’s proposal has won the backing of Professor John Britton, chairman of the RCP’s tobacco advisory group.

In addition, ASH Scotland, the anti-smoking campaign group, said there was strong public support for a ban.

However, Shona Robison, the public health minister, said that although the Scottish government was examining the evidence, it had no current plans to extend the ban.

“The Scottish government is conscious that private cars are now one of the main places for exposure of children to second-hand smoke. We are continuing to do all we can to highlight the risks,” she added.

Source: The Times, 9 May 2010
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