Ross Grant has the right idea: making cigarette smokers who start forest fires pay the cost of suppressing them.
But his methods are not fair or effective, and he’s confused about car manufacturers.
Given the small number of smokers now, it is likely that car makers give the space to drink cup holders instead of ashtrays. But one can buy a closed cup device called “Butt Bucket”. As for cigarette lighter outlets, people want those to power and charge electronic devices such as their phone.
I suspect many smokers avoid smoke inside the vehicle to avoid bothering passengers and other drivers of the vehicle, and to enhance value when sold. Certainly I see many drivers holding a cigarette outside the window.
And, while my sympathy for smokers is limited, it is not fair to make all smokers pay for the jerks who deliberately endanger others and their property. Where are the police?
Keith Sketchley
Saanich
