The British Medical Association (BMA) have called for the government to extend the ban on smoking in public places to include smoking in cars.
Recent research has revealed that the level of toxins from second hand smoke is 23 times higher in a car than it used to be in a smoky bar. However, other research has suggested that the increase is markedly less, especially if the car windows are open.
Approximately 20% of British people smoke. It is estimated that up to a half of these people would smoke in a car. Smoking in a vehicle which is used for work purposes is already banned.
However, there is currently no ban for smoking in privately owned vehicles.
Another report from a group of MPs argued that non-legislative options should be considered, and the All-Party Parliamentary Group an Smoking and Health suggested that an outright ban may be counterproductive. They argued for the need for a countrywide consensus before introducing a ban.
Other countries have already introduced a similar ban, although they have tended to focus on banning smoking where children are present.
The BMA argue that an overall ban would be easier to police and would also improve road safety.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health in England confirmed that an advertising campaign would be launched in the spring which will warn people of the dangers of smoking in a car and in the home. They added: “We do not believe that legislation is the most effective way to encourage people to change their behaviour.”