Smoking In Cars: NJ West Long Branch smoking in cars

Boro mulls smoking ban in cars with kids
Ordinance would make smoking a secondary violation if enacted

May 18, 2007
JANE MEGGITT

WEST LONG BRANCH – – The Borough Council is expected to vote at its next municipal meeting on a measure to prohibit smoking in cars when minors are present.

The council unanimously introduced ordinance 0-07-10 at the May 16 council meeting, which, if adopted, would carry a $75 fine for violators.

A public hearing and final adoption is scheduled to be held at the June 6 regular council meeting at 8 p.m.

“I saw that Keyport had an ordinance that got passed not too long ago that prohibited smoking in motor vehicles when children are present,” said Councilman Christopher Neyhart after the meeting. He was instrumental in getting the ordinance introduced in West Long Branch.

“I liked what it was all about and how it is for the kids who do not have a choice,” he said. “I think it will do a lot of good.”

The ordinance prohibits any person from smoking while operating a motor vehicle if a person under the age of 18 years is also occupying the vehicle.

Upon adoption, the ordinance will be enforced by the State of New Jersey or local law enforcement officials, but only as a secondary action when the operator of a motor vehicle has been stopped or detained for a different violation, according to the ordinance.

“The governing body of the Borough of West Long Branch finds that second-hand smoke is detrimental to the safety, health and general welfare of the public,” the ordinance states.

It continues, “Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke have increased risk of asthma, respiratory infections and Sudden Infant Death. In 2006, the United States Surgeon General’s report concluded that the evidence is sufficient to infer that there is a casual relationship between exposure to second-hand smoke after birth and a lower level of lung function during childhood.”

Neyhart explained that he received a copy of the ordinance passed in Keyport and borough officials drafted its own ordinance to reflect the needs of West Long Branch.

“When I brought it up, we got positive feedback,” Neyhart said. “And after speaking with residents outside of the [municipal] meeting, I heard from a lot of them that it was a good idea.”

Neyhart said his conversations with residents included speaking to borough smokers and children.

“Even smokers agreed that this would be good for everyone,” he said, adding, “And the kids thought it was an even better thing.”