Car smoking illegal, but unpunishable

Police are still waiting to be given powers to issue on-the-spot fines to people smoking in cars with children, a year after it became illegal.

The Police Federation of England and Wales said a “piece of the jigsaw is missing”, as officers cannot yet issue fixed penalty notices. From Oct 1 last year it became illegal in England and Wales to smoke in a car or other vehicle with anyone under the age of 18 present, with motorists or passengers facing a £50 penalty.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act suggest hardly any motorists have been punished.