The Children's Commissioner says he is delighted that a bill banning smoking in cars with children inside has passed its final reading.
Photo: 123rf
When it comes into effect, the bill will give Police the power to issue fines of up to fifty dollars for those caught smoking with passengers under the age of eighteen.
Officers will also be able to issue warnings or referals to anti-smoking services, in a bid to help people kick the habit.
It also includes an exemption for smoking in vehicles that are designed to be used as a home, such as campervans, while they are stationary.
Judge Andrew Becroft lobbied hard for the bill to be passed, and told RNZ's First Up it was a giant step forward for child focused policy.
"We need to get the message across that nearly ninety-percent of children who were surveyed said 'we don't like adults smoking in cars," said Becroft.
Children's Commissioner Andrew Becroft. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
He said it would likely bring about a sea change in the way New Zealanders behaved towards children and their health needs.
While police had the power to issue fines Judge Becroft said they were not likely to hand them out like confetti to errant smokers.
Instead, Police would likely recieve education about smoking in cars, and spread this in the communtiy.
And while it was a momentous day, Judge Becroft said it had taken far too long for change to occur, given the Smoke-free Environments Act was ushered in thirty years ago.
"Children don't have a voice, and they don't have a vote and if we'd actually asked them, like they'd been asked recently, they would say please stop," he said.
Photo: 123rf
In a statement, the Associate Minister of Health, Jenny Saleesa said the bill was further work towards the goal of a smokefree New Zealand by 2020.
She said children were especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of cigarette smoke due to their small lungs, immature immune systems and higher respiratory rates.
"We know that second-hand smoke can accumulate in vehicles, even with the windows down," said Ms Saleesa.
"That presents an unacceptable risk to kids who never asked to be exposed to second-smoke, and deserve a fighting chance at a life of healthy, clean lungs."
