Brussels government aims to ban smoking in the presence of minors

The Brussels government has approved a preliminary draft order which would insert a ban on smoking in the presence of minors into the Brussels Code of Air, Climate and Energy Control.

“Smoking in the car in the presence of a minor will soon be punishable as an environmental penalty,” explains Brussels Environment minister, Céline Fremault (cdH). Similar measures have also been planned in Flanders and Wallonia over the last few months.

A second draft order would prohibit motorists leaving the engine running when their vehicle is stationary. The Belgian Highway Code already states that drivers “must be careful not to leave the engine running in neutral unless it is necessary”. The proposed draft order goes further than this, labelling this behavior an “environmental offense”, thus allowing a heavier penalty to be levied.