Doctors have called for a ‘bold and courageous’ ban on smoking in a car to protect people from second-hand smoke.
The British Medical Association (BMA) claimed smoking in a closed vehicle exposes those inside to toxin levels up to 23 times higher than in a smoky bar.
Dr. Vivienne Nathanson, of the BMA, said: ‘Every year in England there are more than 80,000 deaths that are caused by smoking. This figure increases to a shocking six million worldwide.
‘But behind the stark statistics, doctors see the individual cases of ill-health and premature death caused by smoking and second-hand smoke.’
She continued, ‘The UK made a huge step forward in the fight against tobacco by banning smoking in all enclosed public places but more can still be done.
‘We are calling on the UK Government to take the bold and courageous step of banning smoking in private vehicles.
‘The evidence for extending the smoke-free legislation is compelling. The current UK Government prefers voluntary measures or ‘nudging’ to bring about public health change, but this stance has been shown to fail time and time again.’
Some states in USA, Canada and Australia have already introduced legislation which bans smoking in cars but only when children are present where as BMA are asking for a complete ban on smoking in a vehicle at all times.
Simon Clark, of smokers’ group Forest said: ‘There is no justification for a ban in cars, with or without children present.
‘Legislation is a gross over-reaction. What next, a ban on smoking in the home?’
MJP Motoring Solicitors
Nov, 16, 2011