Push for ban on smoking in cars

LOREN BATSON/The Dominion Post

STUBBING IT OUT: Researchers are calling for a ban on smoking in cars after finding widespread support both here and overseas.

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Researchers are calling for a ban on smoking in cars after finding widespread support both here and overseas.

A review of studies across Britain, North America and Australasia found strong backing for such a ban.

In four recent surveys there was more than 90 per cent support for banning smoking in vehicles with children inside.

Otago University Health researchers George Thomson and Nick Wilson, who conducted the review, said anti-smoking advertising in New Zealand had to be backed up by law.

"These campaigns need to be accompanied by smokefree car laws if significant numbers of children are to be properly protected."

In Wellington yesterday, Luke Mcleod, 16, and Jesse Edgen, 16, said they always smoked in the car, but would not light up if there was a child in the back seat. Luke did not think smoking in cars should be banned.

"It should be left to people's common sense."

The study found that laws banning smoking in cars containing children were in place in South Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, and parts of Canada and the United States.

Anti-smoking group Ash welcomed the study, saying smoking in cars was also dangerously distracting. "Since the introduction of smokefree bars four years ago, people have become more aware of the need for smokefree areas in shared spaces," director Ben Youdan said.

Last year experts funded by the Health Ministry also called for a ban on smoking in cars.

- © Fairfax NZ News