01/07/11
By Steven Birch
Senior doctors have called for tougher restrictions to be introduced on cigarettes and alcohol.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has voted in favour of a driving smoking ban, tighter controls on licensing hours and a minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol being introduced.
Medical professionals backing the plan hope that the BMA's "influential" position will encourage the UK Government and their Welsh, Northern Irish and Scottish counterparts to pass new legislation.
Meanwhile, those who are against the increased regulations believe it will intrude on people's liberty. They labelled a ban on smoking as being "unenforceable".
Some drivers might welcome this potential ban as it will be one less distraction on the road, lead to fewer accidents and potentially cheaper car insurance.
Supporters claim that if the measures are implemented they will improve the nation's health and save the NHS money at the same time.
London-based doctor Douglas Noble said smoking in cars is a toxic threat to people's health and should be banned completely.
He said: "In-car particle concentrations are 27 times higher than in a smoker's home and 20 times higher than in a pub in the days when you could smoke in public places.
"It would be safer to have your exhaust pipe on the inside of your car than smoke cigarettes.
"This would protect non-smokers - particularly pregnant women and children.
"There is also evidence linking driving and smoking to a higher rate of road traffic accidents."
