WIRRAL health chiefs have welcomed a ban on smoking in cars with children following a historic parliamentary vote.

From October 1, anyone lighting up in a car with a child under 18 present will be breaking the law and could be fined.

The Department of Health (DoH) previously said regulations laid before Parliament to make private vehicles carrying under-18s smoke-free were to ''protect young people from the serious health harms of smoked tobacco''.

A change in the law will come into force in October after 342 MPs voted in favour compared to just 74 against.

Fiona Johnstone, Wirral’s director of public health, said: “Secondhand – or passive – smoke from cigarettes is dangerous and can be responsible for a range of health problems including bronchitis, asthma and glue ear.

“We know that secondhand smoke is particularly dangerous to young people within the enclosed confines of a car, even when the window is open or the air conditioning is on.

“We support smoke free cars and anything that will protect children from the dangers of secondhand smoke.’

A recent YouGov poll reported that 79% of Northwest local authorities agreed with the measure say Tobacco Free Futures, who have been campaigning for the ban.

It comes as a consultation has been taking place on proposals to ban under-18s from buying electronic cigarettes.

Cllr Christine Jones, Wirral’s cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: “This is an important step forward in protecting children and young people. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, 60 of which we know cause cancer.

“Children suffering the effects of second hand smoke are admitted to Wirral hospitals every year with complications such as bronchitis, asthma and reduced lung function, so this will go a long way to helping protect them."

To raise awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke, an online video was launched in 2013 calling for legislation to make all cars carrying children smokefree.

The video which was produced jointly with the British Lung Foundation included stars from Peep Show and Hollyoaks and attracted almost 7,000 views on YouTube.

Public Health England also launched its Smokefree Homes and Cars campaign this week to highlight the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Andrea Crossfield, chief executive of Tobacco Free Futures, which led the campaign for smokefree cars in the Northwest said:  “We have campaigned for smokefree cars for five years, and we hope the change in the law along with the extra information and support available will lead to healthier choices by people across Wirral to keep their cars smokefree.”

If you would like support to stop smoking, contact the Wirral stop smoking service on 0151 630 8383, by emailing wsupport@wirralct.nhs.uk or log on to wirralct.nhs.uk or search ‘smokefree’ online’.