- 3668 on-the-spot fines were issued to drivers smoking in cars with children
- The offence currently demands $252 to be paid to the Queensland government
- It became illegal to smoke in cars with under 16s present at the start of 2010
- Over the last eight years dished out fines in the state have totaled $924,336
The Queensland government has raked in almost $1 million after fining more than 3600 people for smoking in cars with children.
In the last eight years 3668 fines were issued for the offence, which currently demands an on-the-spot fine of $252.
It became illegal to smoke in a car carrying a passenger under 16 years of age in the state at the start of 2010.
The Queensland government has raked in $924,336 after fining more than 3600 people for smoking in cars with children (stock image)
In the last eight years 3668 fines have been issued for the offence (stock image)
Police officers are responsible for enforcing the law and dished out fines have totaled $924,336 for the state’s government.
The southern police region from Ipswich to Winton in Queensland’s west, gained the highest number of fines – 1238 – since the law was introduced.
Cancer Council Queensland chief executive Chris McMillan told the Brisbane Times it was vital to protect children from second-hand smoke, at home and in the car.
‘Babies and children are particularly susceptible to the health effects of passive smoking, as their lungs and immune systems are still developing.
‘Research shows that exposure to second-hand smoke can cause a number of diseases and conditions in children, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, middle ear disease, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma exacerbation and respiratory systems.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesman told the publication the smoking ban sent a vital message about the impact of exposure to tobacco smoke on children.
Around 12 per cent of Queensland adults smoke every day – down from 14 per cent four years ago.
About 3400 people die from a tobacco-related disease each year in the state. 2 per cent of those deaths are caused by second-hand smoke exposure.
The offence currently demands an on-the-spot fine of $252 (stock image)