Ban on Smoking in Cars with Children
Violators face a fixed penalty notice of £125, reduced to £115 if paid within a week.
- New legislation in Guernsey prohibits adults from smoking in vehicles carrying children, effective 1st November 2024.
- The law, championed by Health & Social Care, aims to shield children from second-hand smoke.
- Violators face a fixed penalty notice of £125, reduced to £115 if paid within a week.
- Dr. Nicola Brink underscores the heightened risk of cancerous toxins in cars and stresses the importance of smokefree environments for the younger population.
- The law is part of broader Guernsey initiatives to improve the health of children and aligns with international commitments on child rights.
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In a significant move to protect children from the dangers of second-hand smoke, Guernsey has introduced legislation making it illegal for adults to smoke in vehicles carrying children.
This new law, effective from the 1st November, was passed after Health & Social Care led the initiative, citing the urgent need to provide a smoke-free environment for the youth.
The decision to pass this legislation was made at a meeting on the 23 October, where the States voted in favor of making smoking in vehicles with children a punishable offence, carrying a Band C fixed penalty notice of £125.
This fee is reduced to £115 if payment is made within seven days.
Dr. Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, said: "Second-hand smoke inside cars is particularly dangerous because the concentration of cancerous toxins is often greater than in any other micro-environment.”
Dr. Brink highlighted the lack of control children have over their environments and the importance of legislative measures in protecting their health and deterring smoking onset among the youth.
Deputy Al Brouard, Health & Social Care President, said: "This new law is evidence-based on the risk of exposure to tobacco toxins and brings Guernsey into line with other jurisdictions."
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