Smoking In Cars 'Should Be Banned'

06/10/2010 11:43
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Updated
22 May 2015

Christine Morgan
MyDaily UK

Flickr, keepwaddling1

If you're a smoker, chances are you're feeling more than a little victimised right now. The number of places where you can legally smoke is being squeezed on what must seem like a regular basis. Only last week, news that smokers in council offices may have to clock out every time they have a cigarette break angered many (including numerous non-smokers who would like the same rule to apply to their workplace). And this week it's the turn of smokers who drive.

According to Dr Tony Jewell, chief medical officer for Wales, smokers should be banned from lighting up in their cars. One of the reasons, he says, is to protect children from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Not just that, but Dr Jewell is also calling for existing restrictions on smoking in public places to go further, and is even suggesting that smokers shouldn't be allowed to smoke in the comfort of their own home.

Naturally smokers' rights campaigners are up in arms over Dr Jewell's comments, which have been issued ahead of his report on health in Wales, due to be published later this week.

It's yet another opinion that's set to divide the nation. But where the health of children is involved, surely even diehard smokers could appreciate Dr Jewell has a point?

The problem is, how could a ban on smoking in cars be effectively enforced? Banning the use of mobile phones hasn't been a runaway success, with many drivers still ignoring the law. And how on earth could you ever police stopping people smoking at home?

Are smokers being marginalised even further with these latest recommendations? Or is it a good thing, especially as it involves protecting children's health? What's your opinion? Join me in the debate or leave a comment below.