Vaping in cars with children could be banned under new plans

Vaping could be banned in cars carrying children, as well as in playgrounds and outside schools, according to government plans.

The plans - which are subject to a 12-week public consultation - seek to prevent smoking, vaping and the use of heated tobacco in these settings across England.

Indoor spaces - where smoking is already banned - would also become vape and heated tobacco-free under the proposals, as would areas outside hospitals.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said children and patients should not have to suffer because others choose to smoke.

"Second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer and we want to protect children and the sick from harm," he said.

"Prevention is better than cure, so this government is taking pressure off the NHS and building a healthier Britain where everyone lives well for longer."

England's chief medical officer Prof Sir Chris Whitty listed asthma, poor birth outcomes, several cancers, heart disease and stroke as some of the "significant harmful effects" of second-hand smoking.

"These measures would reduce the harm second-hand smoke causes the most medically vulnerable in our society," he added.

The proposals form part of the government's 10-year health plan to shift the focus from sickness to prevention, as well as reduce the pressures on the NHS.

"The government aims to prevent avoidable harm before it happens and support a healthier generation," it explained in a statement.

A public consultation launched on Friday is seeking views on points such as which settings should have a ban implemented, exemptions, and how to inform people of the restrictions.

The government said findings from the consultation will "help shape future regulations under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill", which it said will "create a smoke-free generation and protect young people from a lifetime of addiction".

The bill is currently progressing through parliament, it added.

Outdoor hospitality venues like pub gardens and wider open spaces such as beaches and private outdoor spaces are not included in the plans.

People will also be able to continue smoking and vaping in their homes.

If the ban goes ahead, enforcement would "mirror existing smoke-free laws", the statement said, adding there will be a minimum of six months between the regulations being made and coming into force.

The British Heart Foundation's chief executive Dr Charmaine Griffiths said the research charity strongly supports the consultation and is calling for urgent implementation of the legislation.

"Tough measures must be taken to prevent smoking from robbing more families of their loved ones and harming vulnerable people," she said.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks and will end on 8 May 2026.