Ban on smoking in cars will be passed into law within weeks and come into force in October 2015

In an historic vote in February, Tory and Lib Dem MPs backed plans to make it illegal to light up in a car in England, punishable by a £60 fine or points on a motorist’s licence.

 

It came after Prime Minister David Cameron the ’time has come’ for a ban, brushing aside claims from his Lib Dem deputy Nick Clegg who branded the ban illiberal and unenforceable.

 

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has since been consulting on the detail of the law changes, which will be made under provisions in the Children and Families Act.

The ban is expected to come into force in October 2015, the Sunday Times reported. 

 

The small print of the consultation paper suggested drivers who fail to stop passengers smoking in front of a child face fines of up to £10,000 - a much higher penalty than the maximum £800 fine for the passenger who lights up.