Children are the most at-risk in the car
Doctors are calling for a ban on smoking in cars to protect people from second-hand smoke.
The British Medical Association has urged the four UK governments to extend current smoke-free legislation to include a ban on smoking in private vechiles.
Toxin levels from smoking in a closed vechile can be 23 times higher than in a typical smoky bar, it is claimed, putting children and the elderly at particular risk.
Children are at particular risk from second-hand smoke in cars because they take in more of the chemicals from ciagrettes than adults.
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA's director of professional activites, says: "We are calling on UK governments to take the bold and courageous step of banning smoking in private vechiles.
"The evidence for extending the smoke-free legislation is compelling. The current UK Government prefers voluntary measures or 'nudging' to bring about public health change but this stance has been shown to fail time and time again."
A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "We do not believe that legislation is the most effective way to encourage people to change their behaviour.
"Smoking is undeniably one of the biggest and most stubborn challenges in public health.
"We will be launching a national marketing campaign next year to remind smokers of the risks of exposing children and adults to second hand smoke and we will be supporting local areas to work in partnership to encourage smokers to change their behaviour."
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