Don't light up if driving with children - new laws come into effect on Tuesday

Friday 28 August 2015

Jersey is to be the first place in the British Isles to ban smoking in a motor vehicle carrying passengers under 18.

The change to Jersey Law comes into force on Tuesday, a month before the rest of the UK. The ban will be enforced by the Police but it's hoped that education and a growing awareness of the dangers of second hand smoke will encourage people to not light up.

The move comes following strong public support for the new legislation, and a unanimous vote by States members. 

Head of Health Improvement, Martin Knight said “this law will protect children and young people from the known harms of second-hand smoke; estimates suggest that as many as 1,800 young people in Jersey may be exposed to second-hand smoke on a weekly basis.”

To support the regulations, a smoke-free cars campaign was launched in early June. A range of methods have been used to make Islanders aware of the harms of second-hand smoke, with a focus on cars and on raising awareness of the date of enforcement. Posters and banners highlighting the change in the law and the harms of second-hand smoke have been placed in key areas, including car parks and on Victoria Avenue. Social media has also been utilised as a means of raising awareness.

“Smokers may be concerned about coping without smoking, but we wanted to promote the message that they can cope when children are in the car – the average journey in Jersey is only three miles,” said Help2Quit Coordinator Rhona Reardon. “This campaign message was developed using responses from a public consultation, which showed that Islanders believed most people would manage not to smoke in their car when children were present. The benefits to protecting children were perceived as being worth any potential discomfort.”

For smokers who are thinking of using the change in the law as an opportunity to quit smoking, 19 local pharmacies offer a comprehensive eight-week support programme which is proven to increase the chance of quitting smoking.

Smokers who want to find out more about giving up are urged to call the Help2Quit freephone number on 0800 735 1155.

1. Facts about second-hand smoke and smoking in cars:

• Children breathe faster than adults meaning they breathe in more second-hand smoke
• Children who breathe in second-hand smoke are more at risk of asthma attacks and bronchitis
• 80% of smoke is invisible
• 81% of adults in Jersey want to protect their children’s health
• There is no safe level of second-hand smoke, even if the window is rolled down
• Children often have no choice in whether they are exposed to second hand smoke