“Stamp out smoking in cars” recommend doctors
The British Medical Association (BMA) is calling for smoking to be banned from all motor vehicles.
Smoking in vehicles leads to non-smokers being exposed to very high levels of second-hand smoke, according to new scientific research from the BMA which is urging the British Government to stretch its ban on smoking in public places and workplaces to cover private vehicles too.
The effects of lighting up in such a close environment (i.e. a motor vehicle) are intensified 23 times more dangerous than being in a smoky pub, says the BMA.
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, Director of Professional Activities, said evidence for extending the smoking ban was compelling: “The UK made a huge step forward in the fight against tobacco by banning smoking in all enclosed public places but more can still be done.
“The current UK Government prefers voluntary measures or ‘nudging’ to bring about public health change but this stance has been shown to fail time and time again. We are calling on UK Governments to take the bold and courageous step of banning smoking in private vehicles.”
More than 80,000 deaths are caused by smoking every year in England and six million around the world.
Ashtray on wheels
As fleet vehicles are technically regarded as workplaces, any change will go unnoticed however Tim Naylor of British Car Auctions says their own research shows that smoking equates to a significant slump in a car’s resale value.
“If drivers aren’t motivated by the health of their passengers, perhaps they will be by the diminishing health of their finances,” Mr Naylor comment.
“Presentation is one of the top factors influencing the price of used cars. So if a car is more like an ashtray on wheels, chances are buyers will move on to find one that looks and smells fresh as a daisy.”
Although valeting can remedy the stinkiness of a motor vehicle, it’s an expense and time consuming exercise, adds Tim whose advice was simple: “Motorists should avoid having a cigarette in their car, especially if they intend to sell it in the near future.
“This will avoid the lingering smell of cigarettes in the interior, as well as eliminate the risk of scorch marks on the upholstery or dash. All of these things will put buyers off, even if they smoke themselves.”
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