HEALTH bosses in Surrey have welcomed a new ban on smoking in cars carrying children to protect young people from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

From the beginning of the month it has been illegal to smoke in any vehicle with anyone under 18 even if the windows are down or sunroof open.

Drivers and passengers who break the new law could face a fine of £50, although it does not apply to those driving in a convertible with the roof down or e-cigarettes.

The NHS North East Hampshire and Farnham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has encouraged more people to give up smoking in the wake of the new legislation.

Dr Olive Fairbairn, clinical director for maternity and children’s services at the CCG, said: “As an organisation working with local people to improve their health and wellbeing, we very much welcome this new law.

“It is an important landmark as it gives protection to those who are among the least able to defend themselves – children.

“Our hope is that this new restriction and the information behind it will make parents and other adults reflect on the risks their smoking poses both to themselves and to their loved ones and that this might persuade them to quit for good.

“Any move which reduces the amount of smoke we all breathe in, either actively or passively, is a step in the right direction.

“There are many lifestyle decisions which we can all take which can greatly improve our chances of living long and happy lives – such as those around diet, exercise, alcohol, and smoking, but smoking can directly impact the people around you too.”

Every time a child breathes in secondhand smoke, they breathe in thousands of chemicals. This puts them at risk of serious conditions including meningitis, cancer, bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also make asthma worse and increase the risk of cot death.

Up to 430,000 children and young people throughout the country are exposed to these dangerous chemicals in cars every week.

And, according to Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for wellbeing and health Helyn Clack, in Surrey alone more than 1,400 people a year die from medical conditions related to cigarettes.

“This is great news and I have no doubt it will make a big difference to the health of future generations,” added Mrs Clack.

“Passive smoking is a danger anywhere but the risks are heightened in a confined space and this new law is about protecting people from a habit that ruins far too many lives.

“Giving up at any age improves quality of life and saves people and the country money – smoking costs Surrey’s health services more than £30 million every year and businesses tens of millions more – but the best option is not lighting up in the first place.”