Jersey ban on smoking in cars carrying children is proposed

Jersey could be the first place to ban smoking in cars when children are present

Jersey could be the first place in the British Isles to ban smoking in cars carrying children under proposals put forward by the Health Minister.

A health department survey last year suggested islanders supported extra measures to protect children from second-hand smoke.

Around 20% of people in Jersey smoke, and there is already a ban on smoking in enclosed places.

A pro-smoking group said the proposal was "heavy-handed".

If the proposals become law, people would be banned from lighting up in cars carrying passengers under the age of 18.

Dr Susan Turnbull, Jersey's chief medical officer, said: "Bringing in a law like this will be a very important signal that it's risky to children and no children should be exposed in this way."

Simon Clark, director of pro-smoking group Forest, said: "People shouldn't do it, and by and large they don't, so why do we need a law that will make very little difference?

"It's heavy-handed and extremely patronising. The overwhelming majority of adult smokers know how to behave towards children and the law should reflect that."

The idea will be discussed in the States in the coming weeks.