Smoke signals

Published on 19/10/2012 00:00

Your editorial comment, “Car Smoking Ban a Step Too Far” (16 October), contained a balanced account of the inherent challenges involved in balancing the rights of the individual with protecting the immediate and long-term health of Scotland’s children from the life-threatening effects of second-hand smoke.

Sadly, this was rather lost in a weak and simplistic conclusion which suggested that no further legislative action should be taken at this time.

Targeted legislation has already been introduced in Cyprus, Canada and Australia to prevent people smoking in a car when a child is present. This offers a sensible compromise, allowing people to smoke if they wish, while at the same time preventing young people’s exposure to second-hand smoke in a small, enclosed space.

The governments in Wales and Northern Ireland are moving towards a similar view. It would be a shame if Scotland lost it position as a world leader in innovative tobacco control and missed an important opportunity to protect the lung health of our future generation.

(Dr) James Cant

British Lung Foundation

Wellington Street

Glasgow