Law Society of Scotland raises concerns on enforcing the ban on in-car smoking with baby on board

The law society of Scotland has raised concerns with evidences on the bill that asks for a ‘ban on in-car smoking’ when babies on board. Scotland Police also voiced its concerns about the situation and said that it is not an easy task to enforce the law as they are the sole enforcers of the legislation.

The police force has said that they are in the favour of the bill but their priority was to reduce the road deaths in Scotland region. The Scottish government has also supported the bill and said that they will work to make sure the enforcement and effectiveness of the legislation. Almost every department of law and social groups are in the favour of the principle behind the bill but their mutual concern is its enforcement.

A written evidence was submitted to the Scottish Parliament’s health and sport committee by the police department of Scotland. The report questioned the decision to make the police solely responsible for enforcing the legislation. In this regard, Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said that Scotland’s police is already coping with high road accident death rates and reducing these accidents is their key responsibility. Last year, police reported that there were 191 people killed in road accidents.

This report also stated that any of these 191 deaths or any fatal injuries were not linked with smoking. Just like the legislations on speeding, use of mobile phones behind the wheel, drink & drive, the in-car smoking when children are on board, must be banned. The Police said that local authorities and other agencies could share some responsibility for enforcing the ban.

The main purpose of the legislation is ultimately to achieve cultural and behavioural change and this cannot be done by enforcement alone. Everyone should feel their responsibility to save the future of next generation.