Smokers are being warned that from tomorrow, it will be illegal to smoke in a private vehicle when someone under 18 is present.

From Thursday, October 1, anyone caught committing the offence, or failing to stop someone else from smoking, may be served with a £50 fixed penalty notice.

The legislation covers any vehicle that is enclosed - including motor homes or campervans when they are being used as a vehicle - and people will be committing an offence even if their window, door or sunroof is open.

The legislation doesn’t cover convertible cars when the roof is down; or work vehicles and public transport which are already covered by legislation.

The rules do not apply when someone under the age of 18 is smoking and is the only person in the vehicle.

It is hoped the new legislation will prevent more children being harmed from second hand smoke, which can leave them vulnerable to a variety of health conditions such as lower respiratory tract infections, asthma, middle ear disease and other serious infections.

Secondhand smoke is dangerous for anyone, but children are especially vulnerable because they breathe more rapidly and have less developed airways, lungs and immune systems; neither can they escape from the toxic chemicals when travelling in vehicles because they cannot choose not to be in the vehicle, and may not feel able to ask an adult to refrain from smoking.