Cheshire West and Chester Council is backing a ban on smoking in vehicles carrying children and young people aged under 18, which becomes law in England and Wales today (October 1).
Second-hand smoke from cigarettes contains over 4,500 toxic chemicals and 80% of this is invisible. The toxic mix is responsible for a range of serious health problems including bronchitis, asthma and glue ear, and is especially dangerous to children.
The change in the law means that private vehicles must be smokefree if they are enclosed and there is more than one person present of which one of them is under 18. The fixed penalty notice fine for the offences is £50.
A Public Health England campaign, including TV and radio adverts, will help make the public aware of the change in law. It comes into force the same day as Stoptober, Public Health England’s 28-day mass-quitting challenge which also starts on October 1.
Protecting children
A recent survey by YouGov and ASH revealed that ending smoking in cars with children is supported by 85 percent of adults from households with under 18s.
Councillor Louise Gittins, Cabinet member for culture, leisure and wellbeing, said: “It is great that children and young people in Cheshire West and Chester will now be protected from smoking within cars.
“This new legislation means that children, who often don’t have a say in whether they travel in a vehicle, will now be protected from breathing in the 4,500 toxic chemicals we know are in secondhand smoke.
“Smoking within the enclosed confines of a car is extremely dangerous, especially for children whose young lungs are still developing, even when the window is open or the air conditioning is on.
“We urge all adults to comply with the law. There is always help on hand to support people worried about long journeys, as they can contact our local stop smoking service.”
Contacts are: Phone 0800 043 5134, Text ‘quit4good’ to 60777, Visit: www.quit4good.org or Email: quit@quit4good.org.
Andrea Crossfield, chief Executive of Tobacco Free Futures which co-ordinated the campaign for smokefree cars in the North West said: “We have campaigned for smokefree cars for five years, and we hope the change in the law along with the extra information and support available will lead to healthier choices by people across Cheshire and Merseyside to keep their cars smokefree.
“Smoky cars, packed full of toxic tobacco chemicals, are especially deadly to children because they have smaller lungs, faster breathing and less developed immune systems.
“Secondhand smoke in cars is dangerous and can be up to 11 times the levels you would find in a smoky room. Our advice is to keep your family safe by keeping your car smokefree.”
Smokers are encouraged to use the ban as the perfect opportunity to kick the habit for good as Stoptober also starts on 1 October. Free support includes texts, social media coaching from celebrities as well as local stop smoking services on-hand to provide face-to-face advice.
If you are thinking about quitting you are four times more likely to quit with the help of a NHS stop smoking service advisor who can offer you free support and advice. Contact your local stop smoking service by: Phone 0800 043 5134, Text ‘quit4good’ to 60777, Visit: www.quit4good.org or Email: quit@quit4good.org.
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