The Welsh Government launched the "Fresh Start Wales" campaign on Monday 6 February 2012. The campaign calls on parents and other carers to pledge to keep their cars smoke free because of the health risks for children being exposed to second-hand smoke in a confined space.  There is a lot of evidence to show that the exposure to toxic chemicals in cigarettes is very high in cars and that this leads to increased risks of a range of conditions including sudden infant death syndrome and asthma.

The new campaign has been welcomed by the Anti-smoking charity Ash Wales and by Children in Wales. 

Sean O’Neill, Policy Director at Children in Wales explained: "The damaging impact on children’s health from second hand smoke in cars has been well-documented and Children in Wales are delighted that the Welsh Government is now launching a publicity campaign to raise awareness amongst the public of the dangers. Whilst we look forward to the Welsh Government giving further consideration to banning smoking in cars when children are present, this timely campaign will help reinforce the public health message and at the same time, highlight the vulnerability of children, babies and young people to second hand smoke."

In July 2011, the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, announced that the Welsh Government would consider pursuing a ban on smoking in cars carrying children if children’s exposure to second-hand smoke in cars does not start to fall within the next three years.

More information is available in the Welsh Government’s press release and on Ash Wales' website.