Wrexham Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths has backed a Welsh Government plan for Wales to be the first country in Europe to bring in a smoking ban in vehicles.
Following an announcement this week by First Minister Carwyn Jones, that legislation could be brought forward within this Assembly Term on the matter, Lesley has called the move ‘logical’, and claimed it would save lives and money.
The ban would be designed to protect children from second-hand smoke as well as to encourage adults to give up smoking.
The move has the backing of Dr Tony Jewell, the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, and much of public opinion across the UK and Wales. Recent surveys for YouGov, found that four in five Welsh adults think smoking should be banned in cars that are carrying children.
Reports* show around 20 per cent of 11-16 year old school children in Wales were exposed to smoke the last time they travelled in a car, with poorer children more likely to have been exposed.
Lesley Griffiths said:
“This would be a logical step to protect children from harmful effects of inhaling second hand smoke. It would not only save lives in terms of associated illnesses, but could also reduce driving distractions at the same time.”
“Welsh Labour committed in its manifesto to take action to tackle the harm caused by tobacco and its effect on children. This measure would be a simple step in the right direction which would save lives in more way than one.
“Cancer prevalence is increasing with our ageing population, and any measures to prevent cancer or discourage behaviours which can lead to cancer are needed more than ever and will not only save lives but save the taxpayer and NHS money.
“The First Minister has stated that if education campaigns do not bring about a change in this area, he would consider introducing legislation. I am proud that Wales appears to be taking the lead.”
If the ban goes ahead, Wales could be following in the footsteps of a number of Canadian, US and Australian states which have brought in similar measures.
