Health bosses welcome ban on smoking in cars

Published Friday 13 February 2015 at 9:44

Blackburn with Darwen Health bosses have welcomed an historic Parliamentary vote which means that from October 1 2015, anyone lighting up in a car with a child under 18 present will be breaking the law and could be fined.

Secondhand smoke from cigarettes is dangerous and can be responsible for a range of health problems including bronchitis, asthma and glue ear, and is especially dangerous to children.

Legislation has wide support in the North West with a recent YouGov poll reporting 79% agreed with the measure.

The national Public Health England Smokefree Homes and Cars campaign also launched this week to highlight the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Councillor Brian Taylor, Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “This is fantastic news. We fully support anything that will protect children from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Hundreds of children suffering the effects of second-hand smoke are admitted to hospital every year with complications such as bronchitis, asthma and reduced lung function. If young people aren’t able to protect themselves against this danger, the Government was duty bound to do so by banning smoking in cars with young passengers.”

A smokefree cars film was produced last year by Blackburn with Darwen Council with Tobacco Free Futures and other North West local authorities featuring stars from Peep Show and Hollyoaks. Watch it here: http://bit.ly/1vntZ2g

If you would like help to quit smoking contact the Blackburn with Darwen Stop Smoking Service on (01254) 587999, Twitter: @BwDStopSmoking or search BwD Stop Smoking on Facebook.

For a list of local stop smoking clinics visit: www.refreshbwd.com and search ‘stop smoking service’

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