The Walloon government is expected to approve on Thursday at first reading a draft decree on air quality including a ban on smoking in cars in the presence of minors, said yesterday the Minister of Environment Carlo Di Antonio to Bel RTL. The new environmental offense will be sanctioned with a fine of 150 euros. The law is expected to enter into force by the end of 2018, according to Di Antonio (cdH).
A ban on car smoking in the presence of children is already a reality in several countries (some US states and Canadian provinces, Australia, South Africa, France, Ireland, England, Wales, etc.).
A majority of Belgian smokers already support such a ban. A survey by the Cancer Foundation shows that 93% of Belgians are in favor and among smokers 88%.
According to the National Coalition against Tobacco, car smoking concentrates carcinogens in the air at a level 27 times higher than at home.
On federal level, Health Minister Maggie De Block (Open Vld) announced in 2016 her intention to ban smoking by car in the presence of children under 16. A proposal for a regulation exists but has not yet been completed.
The Brussels Times
