Press release -
Majority of motorists believe new smoking ban in cars in England and Wales won’t be enforced
Nine in 10 motorists (92%) do not have confidence that the new smoking ban in cars, coming into effect this Thursday (1 October 2015) in England and Wales, will be effectively enforced, according to new data from the RAC.*
While awareness of the new law – which will make it illegal to smoke in a car when any occupant is under 18 years old – is high with the vast majority (90%) of drivers knowing about it, only half (50%) knew it is coming in this week, with 41% having no idea when the new law takes effect.
RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “While the motoring public know this new law is coming, our data shows that a significant proportion are not aware just how soon it takes effect.
“It is worrying that nine in 10 motorists have concerns about the extent to which the new law is likely to be enforced. This is perhaps well-founded as traffic police officer numbers have fallen by nearly a quarter (23%) between 2010 and 2014 across forces in England and Wales, so it is hard to see how people flouting the law are going to be caught.
“The new ban joins a raft of other laws that have been introduced in recent years such as making it illegal to undertake or hog the middle lane of a motorway. But without sufficient enforcement there is a real danger that these laws will quickly be forgotten by a large proportion of the motoring population.”
A motorist found to be breaking the new smoking-in-vehicles ban will be subject to a £50 on-the-spot fine.
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*Data from the RAC Opinion Panel, surveyed w/c 21 September, 1,750 responses
About the RAC
With more than eight million members, the RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, insurance, buying a used car, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information – the RAC offers a solution for all motoring needs. The RAC is committed to making motoring easier, safer, more affordable and more enjoyable for drivers and road users.
The RAC is the motorist’s champion and campaigns to support the interests of its members and UK motorists at a national level, including advancing levels of road safety, supporting the needs of young drivers and voicing concerns about the increasing cost of motoring. The RAC’s annual Report on Motoring – first published in 1989 – provides a clear insight into the concerns and issues facing today’s motorists.
For the very latest news on UK fuel prices, check RAC Fuel Watch or follow #racfuelwatch on Twitter. This is a comprehensive guide to the latest UK unleaded petrol and diesel prices – both at the wholesale level and at the pump. RAC Fuel Watch analyses how prices changed through the previous month and compares the most recent prices with those from three, six and 12 months before.
The RAC supports and is a founding member of FairFuelUK which campaigns for fairer taxes on petrol and diesel.
Key facts:
- RAC patrols fix four out of five vehicles at the roadside and on average within 34 minutes
- RAC vans carry more than 500 parts and tools to get members’ vehicles going again
- 98% of members would recommend RAC Rescue to their friends and family
