The shocking results of an experiment have highlighted why smoking in cars with children present has been banned, as Londoners have their say on the new law.

Showing the dangers of exposure to secondhand smoke in vehicles, the research at Newcastle University tested the levels of harmful chemicals to which children can be exposed in the back seat of a car when a driver is smoking.

The experiment can be seen in the video below.

When the car’s windows were closed and the fan on, levels of chemicals were more than 200 times higher than safety guidelines.

The amount of the poisonous gas carbon monoxide was two to three times higher than on a busy road at rush hour.

Opening windows does not remove the damaging effects of secondhand smoke, with the experiment showing levels of dangerous chemicals are still more than 100 times higher than recommended safety guidelines.

Professor Kevin Fenton, national director for health and wellbeing for Public Health England, said: “Many parents aren’t aware of the high levels of dangerous chemicals that their children are subjected to if they smoke near them, especially in enclosed spaces.

“This experiment unearths shocking data, reinforcing that smoking in vehicles with a child is never safe. Even with the window down you are still putting your child at risk of developing serious health conditions.”


New rules on smoking are now in force: Here's what you need to know


Research of a different kind, a survey by Kwik Fit Insurance Services, suggests making the ban on smoking in vehicles with children present work effectively could be a challenge in London.

Thirty-eight per cent of Londoners questioned – the highest figure for any UK region – were unaware of the new rule that could lead to both the driver and the smoker being fined £50.

More than a quarter of people (27 per cent) admitted to having smoked in the car with children, again the highest percentage across all regions.

Despite these numbers, there is support for the ban, with 86 per cent in favour.

Londoners are some of the least sympathetic over the standard penalty fine, with 63 per cent saying it is fair and 20 per cent deeming it too lenient.

The capital also tops the regions when it comes to speaking up about offenders, with 44 per cent saying they would report someone if they were seen smoking in a car with a young passenger.

Help for smokers is available from Public Health England during Stoptober here