SMOKING in your car should be against the law, doctors have told the Government.

The British Medical Association (BMA) is calling on ministers to bring in the ‘bold and courageous’ ban for reasons of health rather than road safety.

Evidence suggests smoking in a closed vehicle exposes the occupants to large amounts of harmful chemicals, the doctors reported.

Toxin levels can be 23 times higher than in a typical smoky bar, it is claimed, with children and the elderly said to be at particular risk.

Children absorb more pollutants than adults and their immature immune systems are less able to cope with the effects of second-hand smoke, according to the BMA.

The elderly are prone to respiratory problems that can be made worse by inhaling cigarette smoke, the doctors warned.

showaddy said: “Surely this is down to individual common sense.

“The police have enough trouble enforcing the non-use of mobile phones. What chance do they have of stopping smoking in cars?”

Birkbyproud was in no doubt: “Definitely when children are in the car! It is disgusting and selfish!”

But Howdareyou saw it as an infringement of civil liberties: “This is taking it a step too far.

“If I’m in my own car, alone, and I want to smoke, it shouldn’t even be questioned. By anyone.

“Next you won’t be able to drink alcohol after 11pm in your own home.”

anneb saw a link between smoking in the car and elsewhere: “The ones who smoke when children are in their cars are usually the ones who smoke in the home.

“Adults have a choice, children don’t.

“Yes, to a degree, I believe that second-hand smoke is as bad, if not worse, but it’s up to the parents to act responsibly where their children are concerned.

“It will be interesting to see what the government does to implement this possible ban.”

Rogerb added: “Smoking in such a confined space as a car and when other passengers, especially children, are travelling in the car is gross irresponsibility.

“It is indicative of the mindset of some who smoke that they do this. It is attracting the focus of the medical profession and potentially the law. So to a degree this attention is self-inflicted.

“Another concern is what the driving smoker does with the ‘tab end’. Most I see throw it out of the car – they don’t even consider this to be littering.”