The Welsh Assembly is planning to ban smoking in cars in a bid to protect people under the age of 18 from second-hand smoke. Under the new law, anyone found guilty of smoking inside the car will have to pay fine.

Welsh First Minister, Carwyn Jones said, “'We will not shy away from considering legislation to further protect children from second hand smoke, children are particularly at risk from second-hand smoke, especially in vehicles where there is a confined space”.

The new proposal to ban smoking will make Wales the first country in Europe to have this type of ban. He also said that the Assembly is discussing the matter with police chiefs to see how the legislation could be implemented. The new move has been supported by the British Medical Association.

Tanya Buchanan, Wales Chief Executive of anti-smoking group ASH has welcomed the new proposals saying that it will help in dealing with the rising problem of smoking in the country. She also said that children are particularly vulnerable to the ill-effects of second-hand smoke and the new will protect them from all these. Buchanan further added that the new proposal has already gained strong public support.