http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14153187.Smoking_in_cars_with_kids_now_to_be_banned_by_new_law/
A BILL to ban smoking in cars when children are passengers has been passed by MSPs.
The new law will make it illegal to smoke in a private motor vehicle when an under 18 is in the car.
The Bill had the backing of health campaigners, anti-smoking groups and cancer charities.
It was passed unanimously by MSPs will all parties backing the Bill.
LibDem MSP, Jim Hume, brought the Bill to Holyrood and he said it would add to efforts to improve the health of children in Scotland.
Mr Hume said: “By developing policies on smoking, we are closing loopholes in legislation that are hazardous to children. Research shows that children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to become smokers themselves.
“What’s more, by reducing the exposure to second-hand smoke in vehicles will not only have immediate benefits in protecting children’s respiratory systems, it will also reduce the likelihood of them developing respiratory conditions in the future.”
The ban will come into effect next summer and the Scottish Government will begin an education and promotional campaign.
The ban is supported by the British Medical Association who said it was an important step.
Dr Peter Bennie, Chair of BMA Scotland, said: “Smoking in vehicles is a source of concentrated second hand smoke, and as children are still developing they are at particular risk.
“The BMA believes this bill is an important further step in reducing tobacco harm and protecting children’s health by restricting the prevalence of second hand smoke in private vehicles when children are present.”
International health campaigners said that Scotland was leading the way and that others in less developed countries would be encouraged to follow suit.
Dr Judith Mackay, senior policy advisor at the World Health Organisation and senior advisor at the World Lung Foundation, said: “From 6,000 miles away, congratulations to Jim Hume for saving the lives of Scotland’s children.
“The legislation that Jim Hume has pioneered will have an impact around the world. Many low and middle income countries, where I work in Asia, would not be able to lead in this type of legislation, but will be emboldened to follow Scotland’s example.”
Cancer Research said it w should become second nature to comply with the new law.
Gregor McNie, Cancer Research UK’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, said: “Stubbing out before getting in a car with children should become as normal as fastening seatbelts.
“it’s simply not acceptable to expose children to cancer-causing second-hand smoke.”