Smoking in vehicles law a victory for children – ASH Scotland

ASH Scotland has welcomed the passage of the Smoking Prohibition (Children in Vehicles) Bill, which will protect young people from second-hand tobacco smoke in cars.

Chief Executive Sheila Duffy said:

“This is a victory for doctors, nurses, parents and, most of all, for children.

“We know the immense harm done to children by second-hand smoke. Meningitis, lung cancer and even cot death have been linked to tobacco smoke. I’m delighted that we’ve introduced this sensible measure to protect children’s health.

 “This law is well supported by parents, with 85% of Scottish adults and 72% of smokers supporting protecting children in this way, as well as the police, children’s groups and the RAC. And it will play a vital part in meeting Scotland’s world-first target to cut young people’s exposure to second-hand smoke in half by 2020.”

ENDS

For further information please contact ASH Scotland on 0131 225 4725 or enquiries@ashscotland.org.uk Out of hours mobile 07776 142 299

Notes for Editors

The target to cut second-hand smoke exposure in half relates to the period between 2012 and 2020, and is a key part of the Scottish Government’s Tobacco Control Strategy.