Legislation to ban smoking in cars carrying children
WELLINGTON: Smoking will be banned in cars when children under 18 are present, Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa has announced.
Vaping will also be included in the prohibition and it will apply to all vehicles, both parked and on the move.
‘‘Public education and social marketing campaigns over many years have had some impact, but the rate of reduction in children exposed to smoking in vehicles is slowing. It is now time to do more by legislating,’’ Ms Salesa said.
She expected the Smokefree Environments Act 1990 to be changed by the end of this year.
Once it is changed, police will be able to require people to stop smoking in their cars if children under 18 are present.
They will also be able to use their discretion to give warnings, refer people to stopsmoking support services, or issue an infringement fee of $50.
According to research by ASH in 2014, 100,000 children a week are exposed to secondhand smoke.
The law change will come into effect by an amendment to the Smokefree Environments Act 1990.
‘‘First and foremost, this change is about protecting children. However, it is also part of the Government’s commitment to achieving Smokefree 2025,’’ Ms Salesa said.
‘‘Too many New Zealand children, particularly Maori and Pacific children, are exposed to secondhand smoke in the vehicles they usually travel in,’’ she said.
‘‘Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke due to their smaller lungs, higher respiratory rate and immature immune systems.
‘‘Secondhand smoke accumulates in vehicles, even with the windows open. It reaches much higher levels than in homes,’’ she said.
‘‘Ultimately, the focus of this change will be on education and changing social norms and not on issuing infringement notices.
Several surveys have shown about 90% support for a ban on smoking in cars with children present.
Australia, England, Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, parts of the United States, and most of Canada already have such bans. — NZME