England Bans Smoking in Cars Where Children Are Passengers

England has today passed a law that will ban drivers from smoking in cars where children are passengers. 

The move was passed after 342 MPs cast a vote in favour of the legislation, with only 74 MPs voted against the proposed ban.

The ban will apply from October 1st 2015 and follows a similar law already in place in Wales, with Scotland also said to be considering the move.

According to BBC News, Public Health Minister, Jane Ellison, said: "Three million children are exposed to second hand smoke in cars, putting their health at risk.

"We know that many of them feel embarrassed or frightened to ask adults to stop smoking which is why the regulations are an important step in protecting children from the harms of secondhand smoke." In Ireland, The Protection of Children’s Health (Tobacco Smoke in Mechanically Propelled Vehicles Bill), was brought before the Dail last December and voted through unanimously, however it will not take effect until "regulations and measures to enforce" it have been developed by Gardaí.