ORGANISATIONS in Hampshire have been working together on a programme aimed at preventing children from being subjected to second-hand smoke.

Ahead of a new law that comes into force on October 1, banning smoking in cars when children are present, Hampshire County Council has been working with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, borough councils, schools, school nurses and NHS commissioners to set up the Step Out programme.

It encourages smokers to keep their homes, and now their cars, smoke free to protect children.

Councillor Patricia Stallard, the council’s executive member for health and public health, said: “A survey of 7,000 schoolchildren across Hampshire showed that a third are still being exposed to second-hand or passive smoke in the home or car. I welcome this new legislation which will play a significant role in protecting children from the dangers of secondhand smoke.”

The survey revealed that the vast majority of parents, 96 per cent, expected to protect children from the effects of second-hand smoke.

A total of 94 per cent of people surveyed, including almost all the smokers who participated (87 per cent), thought that cars should be kept smoke free when children are present, and 93 per cent said they already had a smoke free car.

People who did not currently keep their car smoke free said that a law banning smoking in cars with children present would be the biggest influence and encourage them to do so.

The first day of October also marks the start of Stoptober, when smokers are encouraged to sign up to a 28 day challenge to go without cigarettes.

The date also sees additional legislation introduced to regulate the sale of tobacco and nicotine based products.

For help to quit smoking contact Hampshire’s Quit4Life service online or call 0845 6024663.