Ban on lighting up with kids on board
EK shoppers have their say on new law
It is now illegal to smoke in a car while children are on board.
Smokers who break this new law and light up in a vehicle carrying someone under the age of 18 face an on-the-spot penalty of £100 and a court fine of £1000.
Ministers and health campaigners say the move will protect children from breathing in second-hand smoke – but smokers’ groups have branded the move “patronising and unnecessary”.
We took to the streets of East Kilbride to ask people their view.
Paul Reid, 25, of Nerston, said: “I agree there should be a ban. Kids aren’t given a choice so this is for the good of their health. I don’t think they should be subjected to breathing in smoke.”
Eddie McArthur, 53, said: “I am 100 per cent behind this as it’s for the weans’ health and everyone else’s. I do think it will be hard to enforce, though.”
Brenda Tamburrini, 65, from Westwood, said: “I hope this law will make smokers realise the danger they are putting their children in. This will be very beneficial to childrens’ health. Like talking on a mobile phone, people still have to take their hands off the wheel to smoke.”
Calderwood pensioner Donald Thomson, 65, said: “This is like Big Brother all over again. Are the government going to come into your house and tell you what to do next?
“I know it’s for the health of children but it’s a bit over the top.”
I don’t think children should be subjected to breathing in smoke Paul Reid