N.I. Government is thinking of banning smoking in cars. Good or bad?

[Tedkins]

Health Minister Edwin Poots is planning to a launch a public consultation (anyone remember the days when Governments had policies and enacted those policies?) on the issue of banning smoking in all private cars and is said to be considering such a move, although it may be more likely a ban would be restricted to all private cars carrying passengers under the age of 16.

BBC News - Edwin Poots launches car smoking ban consultation

Sinn Fein's Michelle Gildernew spoke of the need of a public information campaign to spread the word of the dangers of passive smoking but reportedly cast doubt on the effectiveness of legislating against it. It seems Sinn Fein are against big Government solutions to health issues.

One boffin spoke of how Edwin Poots leads the way that others must follow:

Dr James Cant, head of the British Lung Foundation, Scotland and Northern Ireland said: "We find this development highly encouraging. Stormont would be ahead of the curve on this issue if it were to take action to protect children from passive smoke when they are in the car."

[Mackers]

The N.I. Assembly is thinking of banning smoking in cars that are carrying children. What do you all think? Good or bad?

Nanny state or good health move?

[Castle Ray]

As a smoker I'd be in favour of banning smoking in private indoor spaces where minors are present.

[ruserious]

It ultimately boils down to which is more deserving of freedom. A person in their own property or the health of children. On that basis, the health of a child should come first and therefore is the right move.

[Tedkins]

That would be even more difficult to enforce.

[Cruimh]

It ultimately boils down to which is more deserving of freedom. A person in their own property or the health of children. On that basis, the health of a child should come first and therefore is the right move.

As Cars cause major health problems for children - exhaust fumes - then presumably Cars will also be banned ....

[DT123]

Ban them asap.

[Cruimh]

Cars should be banned if they are that concerned about Children's health. Exhaust fumes are every bit as damaging as second hand tobacco smoke.

[ruserious]

As Cars cause major health problems for children - exhaust fumes - then presumably Cars will also be banned ....

Is there evidence for that?

[Con Gallagher]

This is a no brainer.
Driving is already one of the most regulated activities going (tests, licenses, nct, mobile, mandatory insurance) adding one more common sense measure (which protects passengers/children in cars, the driver and other road users) hardly interferes with made-up property rights (cars use public spaces but a few oddballs think they drive without due care and attention because they can do what they like in their own space). A full ban will face enforcement issues, but a partial ban (eg where children are passengers) would be utterly useless.