MSPs call for views on banning in-car smoking with children present

Should smoking in cars be banned when there are children present? The question is being posed by Holyrood's Health & Sport Committee as it calls for views on the member's bill introduced to achieve that aim.

Promoted by Liberal Democrat MSP Jim Hume, the bill would make it an offence for any adult (aged 18 or over) to smoke in a private motor vehicle in the presence of a child (under 18 years of age) while that vehicle is in a public place. The aim of the bill is to protect children from the harmful effects of exposure to second-hand smoke in a confined space. A fixed penalty regime would be created as an alternative to prosecution, but prosecuted offenders would face a penalty of up to £1,000 (level 3 on the current scale).

Some vehicles such as motorcycles would be exempted, as would use of a vehicle for overnight accommodation. There would be a defence of reasonable belief that all the other occupants of the vehicle were aged 18 or over.

Deputy committee convener Bob Doris MSP said: “Our committee looks forward to hearing from individuals who may be affected, organisations that will be impacted upon and interested stakeholder groups on the likely effectiveness of this bill if it was passed.

“This will enable the committee to consider the wider implications of this proposed legislation, including how to best enforce the provisions contained in the bill.”

Click here to view the call for evidence. Responses are invited until 27 May.