By 2015, The UK Government will introduce a new law in England which will make smoking in a car a criminal offence when there is a child as a passenger.
Smoking around a child can not only have an affect on you but it can also be critical for their health. Smoke can stay in the air for up to two and a half hours even when the window is open making smoking in a car dangerous for passengers, especially children who are oblivious to the damage the smoke is causing for their health. Exposure to smoke can cause chest infections, asthma, blood clots and ear problems. Research shows 300,000 children in the UK visit a GP each year because of the effects of second-hand smoke, with 9,500 going to hospital.
Coalition MP’s were allowed a free vote for their opinion on whether or not the law should be brought into England. In the end, they voted in favour one of Labour’s amendments and the measure was approved by 376 votes to 107 – a majority of 269 excluding Prime Minister David Cameron who found himself missing the vote due to flooding in the South West.