Overview

This bill proposes to amend the Health Act 2006 to make it illegal to smoke in a private vehicle when children under 18 are present. Drivers who violate this law face a fine or the option of attending an awareness course.

Description

The Smoke-free Private Vehicles Bill seeks to add a new section (8A) to the Health Act 2006. This section outlines the offense of failing to prevent smoking in a private vehicle with children present. The bill specifies that drivers have a duty to ensure their vehicles are smoke-free when children under 18 are inside.

Penalties: First-time offenders will have the option of attending a smoke-free driving awareness course instead of paying a £60 fine. Repeat offenders will automatically receive a £60 fine. The Secretary of State holds the power to adjust the fine amount via regulations.

Regulations: The Secretary of State is mandated to introduce regulations specifying the format of the awareness course and to update existing regulations concerning the new offense, both within six months of the bill becoming law.

Geographic Scope: The Act applies only to England.

Government Spending

The bill's financial implications are not explicitly stated. However, costs will arise from creating and running the smoke-free driving awareness courses, updating regulations, and enforcing the new law. Further, potential savings might arise from reduced healthcare costs associated with childhood exposure to secondhand smoke, though quantifying these savings is difficult.

Groups Affected

• Drivers: Drivers in England will be directly affected, facing penalties for smoking with children in their vehicles.
• Children: Children under 18 in England will benefit from the improved air quality within private vehicles.
• Smokers: Smokers who drive with children will face restrictions on their behavior.
• Law Enforcement: Police and other law enforcement agencies will be responsible for enforcing the new law.
• The Secretary of State: Responsible for setting regulations and penalty levels.

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