8 Nov 2008

Call for ban on smoking in cars

5:56 am on 8 November 2008

Anti-smoking campaigners are calling for a complete ban on smoking in cars.

It follows a University of Otago survey in which 96% of smokers polled agreed that smoking should not be allowed in vehicles where pre-school children are passengers.

The poll surveyed 1376 people over the age of 18. Its finding are reported in the New Zealand Medical Journal, in which the article's authors call for a smoke-free car law.

Smoking in cars is banned in several countries, including parts of Australia and the United States.

The head of the Otago University team which carried out the research, George Thomson, says children need protection as smoke in cars, even with the windows down, is worse than being in a smoky pub.

Mr Thomson says a law would send a very strong signal to people who smoke in cars. He says smoking distracts drivers and higher carbon monoxide levels impair their abilities.

Action on Smoking and Health says a total ban would help people quit and lead to fewer accidents being caused by smokers being distracted while they drive.

It says the survey shows health messages are getting through and attitudes have changed among smokers.

However, the spokesperson for a group set up to fight smoking ban in licensed premises, Dave Clark, says the extra restriction would be ludicrous, as police have more important laws to implement.

Mr Clark is calling for further education campaigns to persuade parents not to smoke near children in cars or at home.