Car smoking ban agreed

Smoking in a car while children are present will be banned in Scotland, after the Scottish Government backed a member’s Bill by Liberal Democrat Jim Hume.

The proposals, which have already received cross-party support and backing from many charities, could see smokers hit with a £100 fine if they are caught smoking in their car whilst children under the age of 18 are present.

Hume said he hoped the new law could be in place for early next year. “I am over the moon,” he said, adding: “This Bill is about guaranteeing that children in Scotland can have the freedom to go on and lead healthy lives if they choose to. I look forward to working with MSPs from all parties as the Bill progresses.”

The Bill has also been supported by Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and anti-smoking charity ASH Scotland.

ASH Scotland Chief Executive Sheila Duffy welcomed the ministerial support. “It is another public health initiative that can help Scotland move forward with its ambition to achieve a tobacco-free generation in 20 years’ time.

“It is popular with the public and will bring Scotland into line with upcoming legislation in England and Wales,” she said.

The pro-smoking campaign Forest said the law would be “difficult if not impossible” to enforce.