Car smoking ban: Views sought on new restrictions

England introduced a ban on smoking in cars with children in October

Isle of Man residents are to be consulted on a proposed ban on smoking in cars when children are present.

If new legislation is passed, offenders could be fined £50 in line with laws in England and Wales which came into force in October.

The regulations - brought under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2006 - will go before Tynwald in February 2016.

Passive smoke in children can increase the risk of asthma, meningitis and cot death, say public health experts.

The British Medical Association has previously said all smoking in cars should be banned.

A government spokesman said the measures are aimed at "protecting young people from the effects of second-hand smoke."

Smoking was banned in the Isle of Man's pubs and clubs in 2008.

The consultation can be found on the Isle of Man government website.

Passive smoking

• Second-hand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, some of which are known to cause cancer

• It can stay in the air for up to two-and-a-half hours even with a window open

• This applies in enclosed places like cars

• Exposure has been strongly linked to chest infections, asthma, ear problems and cot death in children

• Bans on smoking in cars with children present exist in some US states, including California, as well as in parts of Canada and Australia