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The government is considering new measures that would prohibit vaping in cars when children are present, as well as in playgrounds and in the vicinity of schools across England. These proposals form part of a broader effort to curb smoking, vaping, and the use of heated tobacco products in specific public spaces. Currently, this plan is open to public consultation for a period of 12 weeks.
In addition to these outdoor locations, the government aims to extend vape and heated tobacco bans to indoor areas where smoking is already forbidden, including areas adjacent to hospitals. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of protecting children and patients from exposure to harmful substances, stating, “Second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer and we want to protect children and the sick from harm.” He also highlighted the preventative nature of the government’s approach: “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, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, highlighted the health risks associated with second-hand smoke, naming conditions such as asthma, adverse birth outcomes, various cancers, heart disease, and stroke as significant consequences. He added, “These measures would reduce the harm second-hand smoke causes the most medically vulnerable in our society.” The proposals align with the government’s ten-year health strategy, which seeks to prioritize prevention over treatment and lessen the burden on the NHS.
The ongoing consultation invites the public to give feedback on details such as which locations should be covered by the ban, potential exemptions, and ways to inform the public about new restrictions. The government noted that the results of the consultation will help inform future regulations under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, a piece of legislation currently under parliamentary consideration that aims to establish a smoke-free generation and protect young people from addiction. Notably, outdoor hospitality venues such as pub gardens and open spaces like beaches, as well as private outdoor areas and homes, will not be subject to these bans. Enforcement is expected to follow the model of current smoke-free laws, with a minimum six-month gap between finalizing the rules and their implementation. Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, expressed strong support for the consultation, urging swift adoption of these measures to prevent smoking-related harm. The consultation period will close on 8 May 2026
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