HALTON drivers are reminded that from today, new laws make it illegal for anyone to smoke in vehicles with children present.
The legislation is designed to help protect children from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Under the ban both the driver and the smoker can be fined £50 if anyone smokes in a vehicle with a person who is under 18.
Professor Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer said: “This legislation is a landmark in protecting our children from secondhand smoke.
“Smoking just a single cigarette in a vehicle exposes children to high levels of air pollutants and cancer- causing chemicals like arsenic, formaldehyde and tar.”
Smokers wishing to quit are encouraged to take part in Stoptober, the country’s 28 day mass quit attempt developed by Public Health England, which also starts today.
Stoptober is based on research that by stopping smoking for 28 days people are five times more likely to stop for good.
To sign up visit smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober
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