Smoking in cars: the debate continues

• New survey shows polarised opinions
• Concerns about smokers and road safety
• New Highway Code advises against smoking

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New research has re-ignited the debate about smoking in cars, with nearly half of smokers prepared to ignore new rules in the latest edition of the Highway Code.

The new edition of the Highway Code was launched two weeks ago, and says that smoking in a car could be interpreted by the police as 'not allowing proper control of a car'.

However, a new survey for car insurer esure has shown that 45% of motorists who smoke say they will ignore the rules and continue to light up.

The survey also revealed just how polarised the debate on smoking in cars is becoming - 47% of people think smoking in cars should be allowed, while 53% do not.

Two-thirds of non-smokers want to see a ban on smoking, but only 11% of smokers do.

The debate centres around safety - the argument is whether smoking in cars is a dangerous distraction. The survey brought some new statistics to bear on this:

• 75% of motorists think smoking when driving on a motorway is acceptable and poses no safety risks;

• 46% have dropped a cigarette when driving their car - and 26% have taken their eyes off the road to retrieve it;

• 45% admit to disposing of a cigarette by throwing it out of a window, which could pose a fire risk.

• 27% smoke with children in the car.

More than a quarter of drivers say they've been forced to light up in their cars because of the recent ban on smoking in public places.