A new law banning people from smoking in cars with children in them is coming into effect this Thursday.

From October 1 it will be illegal to smoke in a vehicle with anyone under 18 present - allowing children to avoid breathing in thousands of dangerous chemicals which continually risks their health.

The law is changing to protect children and young people from the dangers of secondhand smoke and once the legislation comes into force, both the driver and the smoker could be fined £50.

The new law coincides with the beginning of Stoptober, a national campaign urging people to give up the deadly habit.

Hertfordshire County Council is encouraging residents to use the time it takes to smoke a cigarette to email a friend, check on an elderly neighbour, empty the dishwasher or relax instead.

Cabinet member for public health, localism and libraries Teresa Heritage said: “More than 80 per cent of secondhand smoke is invisible and odourless.

"No matter how careful you think you're being, your family still breathes in the harmful chemicals, which puts them at risk of meningitis, cancer, bronchitis and pneumonia and increases the likelihood of breathing problems and chest infections.

“We want our residents to lead healthy, happy lives, so we support the government’s decision to introduce this law. By not smoking, you will protect the health of those close to you.”

A ‘Smokefree schools toolkit’ is being launched today, to help schools self-assess themselves as a Smokefree school and provide information and support to students and parents who need help to give up smoking.

Other initiatives include ASSIST, a peer-led programme to reduce smoking in schools, as well as work with children’s centres, midwives and health visitors to raise awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke.

More than 430,000 children are exposed to second-hand smoke in cars each week, according to the British Lung Foundation.

For help to quit smoking sign up at www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober