Smokers in Wales face on the spot fines
Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 6:00 Early start this morning.
I'm being interviewed by ITV News (Wales) in London. The Welsh Government is pressing ahead with plans to ban smoking in cars with children and the proposals include an on spot fine of £50 for offenders.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Smoking in a car with a small child is inconsiderate. With the window closed you could even argue it's unacceptable but legislation - including on the spot fines - is unnecessary and excessive.
In 2014 relatively few people smoke in a car with a child present, and I can't remember the last time I saw someone do it with the windows shut.
Society has changed and people's behaviour has changed with it but that's not enough for today's interfering self-righteous politicians. They can't resist introducing yet another law to govern how we behave.
How on earth will be law be enforced? Will traffic police follow a car whose driver is smoking, then pull them over if they suspect a child is in the car?
It's even more bizarre when, according to reports, the police are already ignoring far more serious crimes. Smokers however are an easy target.
"Smoking in your car, were we sir? And a child present too.
"I'm afraid you'll have to accompany me to the nearest cash machine.
"Mastercard? That'll do nicely, sir.
PS. I also recorded a short interview for Five Live on this subject last night. Not sure when it will be broadcast. Probably went out at 2.00am!
Reader Comments (2)
It's inconsiderate if the "child" doesn't like smoking and the adult continues anyway.
It isn't inconsiderate if the child doesn't mind. Babies and toddlers cannot say what they like or don't like and so to err on the side of consideration is of course right.
Many other kids can say exactly how they feel about it and these days they certainly are not backward in coming forward.
The state has no right to tell me what to do in my car with my kids. I shall ignore this and do what my family likes - the smokerphobic bullies can go to hell.
This is my line and it has been set to push people like me into criminalisation. I will pay no fines for that money to fund the fascists in Public Wealth
As for Wales, it's a country I will never visit again because I won't go to fascist countries that shamelessly exploit children for political gain.
Unless they are also fining the cigarette company for every single cigarette manufactured, it is criminal to fine the user of said legal product. This is like a "sting" operation, except with a legal product. I would definitely hire a criminal lawyer to consult.