Bill To Ban Smoking In Car With Children Passes First Stage In Scottish Parliament

A ban on smoking in cars with child passengers has passed its first hurdle in the Scottish Parliament.

A proposal introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Jim Hume would bring in fines of �100 for motorists who smoke in private vehicles while a child aged under 18 is on board.

MSPs voted unanimously in favor of the general principles of the legislation, which aims to protect children from the effects of second-hand smoke.

The bill has been backed in principle by the Scottish Government and Scottish Labor and health charities. The bill will be further scrutinized before it returns to the Holyrood chamber for final approval.

Hume said, "We know that children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke. With an estimated 60,000 children in Scotland exposed to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke during car journeys every week, the time for action is now."

"Protecting the health of children should never be a party political issue. The evidence in favor of a change in the law is compelling and I hope to have the support of the whole chamber during the debate today," added Hume.

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of health charity ASH Scotland, said, "This is well-evidenced, popular legislation that will help to protect children's health. Similar measures are already in place in England and Wales, and there seems to be wide cross-party support for the proposals here in Scotland. I hope to see this Bill fully supported by the Scottish Parliament and passed and implemented as soon as possible."

Source: Medindia