Smoking in cars law short-sighted – police

A law change that will give police the power to fine people caught smoking in cars carrying children is a ‘‘little bit short-sighted’’, the head of the police union says.

The Government on Sunday announced it would amend the Smokefree Environments Act to make it illegal to smoke and vape in vehicles when people younger than 18 were inside. Police would be able to issue $50 spot fines.

Police Association president Chris Cahill said he supported the reasons for the ban, but questioned whether it would be practical for police to enforce it.

‘‘Making it a police issue, when really it’s a health and education issue, I think it’s a little bit shortsighted.

‘‘The reality is it’s just another job that’s falling to police and when you weigh up the issues of road safety, violent crime, adult and child sex abuse, where’s the extra ability to really police this well? I challenge that.’’

He was concerned people who would be issued fines would ‘‘to a large degree’’ be those who could least afford to pay them. ‘‘Then you have the whole issue of if they do get a fine and they don’t pay it you’ve got the whole court system caught up in it, which I don’t think is to anyone’s benefit,’’ Cahill said.

‘‘I’m dubious it will deter the people that won’t see the danger of smoking in cars with their children . . .’’

However, the law change has got the tick of approval from the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation. Teresa Demetriou, head of education and research at the notfor-profit, said the ban would ‘‘certainly’’ benefit children’s respiratory health.

‘‘We fully support the ban by the Government. The reason being that children shouldn’t be exposed to secondhand smoke under any circumstances.’’

She said banning smoking in cars was a step closer to making New Zealand smokefree. She was pleased the Government had chosen to ban vaping in cars as well as smoking because current research indicated it was also harmful to children.

It’s just another job that’s falling to police.’’ Police Association president Chris Cahill

This is set to become a less common sight in New Zealand.