Drivers could soon be banned from vaping in cars when they are with children under new law change proposals designed to protect the health of young people.
New plans from the Government could result in vaping being banned in cars carrying children, as well as in playgrounds and outside schools.
Labour is set to launch a 12-week consultation to crack down on smoking, vaping and the use of heated tobacco across England.
It is already illegal for motorists to smoke in vehicles when children are present, and has been for a number of years.
The Health Act 2006 prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces and workplaces, including vehicles specifically used for work.
A public consultation looking at vaping seeks views on how the ban could be implemented, what exemptions could be included and how to inform people of the restrictions.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said other people, particularly children, should not suffer because of other people’s actions.
The Labour MP for Ilford North added: “Second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer and we want to protect children and the sick from harm.
Labour is looking at introducing laws that would ban drivers from vaping in cars with children
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“Prevention is better than cure, so this Government is taking pressure off the NHS and building a healthier Britain where everyone lives well for longer.”
Under former Prime Minister David Cameron, the Conservative Government banned smoking in cars and other vehicles with anyone under 18 inside.
From October 1, 2015, drivers were no longer able to smoke inside vehicles when carrying younger passengers.
It warned that both the driver and the smoker could be fined £50 in England and Wales, including those using a provisional licence.
Smoking in cars when accompanied by a child was banned in 2015
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The laws contained specifics, meaning that drivers could still get fined in any vehicle that is enclosed wholly or partially by a roof.
Similarly, fines can be issued when people have the windows open or the air conditioning on. Even if they are sitting smoking in the open doorway of a vehicle, they can be fined.
However, at the time, the Conservative Government did not apply the rules to e-cigarettes or vaping.
It also did not apply to convertibles where the roof is completely down, or when a 17-year-old driver is by themselves in the car.
Labour has already banned the sale of disposable vapes
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The consultation launched by the Department for Health and Social Care will run for 12 weeks and end on May 8, 2026.
Not everyone is supportive of the new measures, claiming that there is “no scientific justification” to ban vaping.
Christopher Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: “Expanding the ban on smoking to also cover vaping in many places is a ridiculous, draconian move.
“A private car is about as private a place as you can get and it should be for the owner to decide whether they want to vape or let other vape in their vehicle,” he told the Daily Mail.