No Smoke Without A Fine – Drivers to Face Fines of up to £10,000 for Lighting Up in Front of Children

Smoking in cars carrying children could soon become a very costly exercise for English drivers. In legislation expected to be passed before the end of the year and set to come into force from October of next year, offenders will face an on the spot fine of £50 or five points on their driving license. If the case goes to court, offenders face greater fines up to a maximum of £800. The biggest sum, however, is outlined in part of the legislation which refers to drivers or car owners who fail to take “reasonable steps” to prevent others smoking in their cars  - up to the considerable sum of £10,000. The sum, outlined in the small print and highlighted by The Sunday Times, dwarves the maximum fine for the passenger who lights up, which is capped at £800. The changes follow a vote in February where both Tory and Liberal Democrat MPs backed plans to make provisions under the Children and Famlies Act.