IT is widely accepted that smoking has health implications for others which is why we have the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces.

So it is no surprise that concerns over the health of children being carried in cars where adults smoke has led to proposals for legislation.

The only real concerns raised have been over how to enforce such a ban with police and council officers concerned it would not be the best use of resources and do little to further priorities.

No-one is suggesting police go around checking every car or set up road blocks looking to catch smokers and check for children in the back.

With an education campaign further warning of the dangers to health, the very fact legislation exists would be enough for many who still smoke with kids in the car to stop.

Most people are law abiding and will change their behaviour accordingly and for the small number who persist it will become socially unacceptable – just like drink driving did in the past.

Despite what pro-smoking pressure groups may say, the motivation for a ban on smoking in cars with children is not to further stigmatise or criminalise smokers but to protect the health of children.

Adults working in bars and clubs are protected in law, so why not children in cars who are strapped in with no escape.

In time we will wonder what the fuss was about.