Smoking Ban in Cars Carrying Children Highly Likely to be passed
There is a split in the Conservative party over the smoking ban in cars that carry children. Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary is in favour of the ban proposals, whereas Chris Grayling the justice secretary is against the ban, creating conflict within the party.
Due to the divide over the ban between the Tory and Liberal Democrat party, the ban is highly likely to be supported by the Commons and in turn, become law.
The Argument
Nick Clegg, the deputy prime minister and business secretary, Vince Cable opposes the ban because of practical and libertarian grounds. But, the education secretary, Michael Gove supports the ban.
Health specialist, Dr Nicholas Hopkinson recently implied that children have a right not to have to breathe in second-hand smoke.
On the flip side of Dr Nicholas Hopkinson’s view is that of Simon Clark, the director of smokers’ lobby, as he believes that adults who choose to smoke in the car whilst carrying children is inconsiderate; however, there is a very thin line when it comes to dictating how people should live their lives.
There are said to be roughly 300,000 GP appointments that are a result of children being exposed to second-hand smoke. Just how many of these are due to being subjected to smoke in the car cannot be known.
Imposing the Ban
On another note, how difficult will the ban be to impose on drivers and what will the penalty be if caught? Catching a person smoking in a car whilst carrying children is not as easy as spotting a person driving whilst on a mobile phone, for example.
Another question was raised in relation to the smoking ban in cars whilst carrying children by Eric Pickles, the Communities secretary; is smoking in a car when carrying children as passengers any different than smoking within the home? Quite simply, it’s not and would be nigh on impossible to impose such a ban in the home.
What this means for the Car Rental Industry
The smoking ban will not make any difference to Company Car Rentals, as we have never allowed smoking in our cars.
Have your say on the smoking ban subject!
Blog Written by Karen Redman