STOP smoking campaigners across the region have welcomed new legislation banning drivers from lighting-up with children in their cars.
The law, which will come into effect in October, follows a similar ban in Wales and aims to protect people under-18 from second hand smoke.
Anyone found in breach of the law in England could be fined £50.
Gloucestershire NHS Stop Smoking Service and Smokefree South West have welcomed the ban as a significant victory.
Fiona Andrews, director of Smokefree South West said: "The decision sees a significant step in protecting children from the dangers of tobacco, as regulations are approved that will stop anyone from smoking in a car when children are present.
"We now urge the Government to show the same commitment to introducing standardised packs and help further protect children across the South West from taking up smoking."
It will not apply to anyone driving alone or driving in a convertible car with the top down.
The regulations were passed in the Commons after 342 MPs voted in favour of legislation while just 74 voted against.
Millions of children are exposed to the 4,000 chemicals in cigarettes through second hand smoke, according to Gloucestershire NHS Stop Smoking Service.
James Curtis, service manager of the Gloucestershire NHS Stop Smoking Service, said: "The service welcomes the move to ban smoking in cars when children are present.
"Exposure to second hand smoke can increase the risk of asthma, meningitis and cot death.
"This legislation stands up for the children who don't have a choice about inhaling these dangerous chemicals.
"If any parent is concerned about their smoking habit and needs friendly non-judgemental support then please call us."
Public Health Minister, Jane Ellison, said: "Three million children are exposed to second hand smoke in cars, putting their health at risk.
"We know that many of them feel embarrassed or frightened to ask adults to stop smoking which is why the regulations are an important step in protecting children from the harms of secondhand smoke."
While many support a ban, some say it is an unnecessary intrusion.
Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: "This is a tremendous victory. We urge the Government to show the same commitment to introduce standardised packaging for all tobacco products in order to protect the 200,000 children taking up smoking every year in this country.
"We are certain that these measures together will prove to be two of the most significant milestones for public health since the smoke-free legislation of 2007."
Simon Clark, director of the smokers' group Forest, said: "The overwhelming majority of smokers know it's inconsiderate to smoke in a car with children and they don't do it.
"They don't need the state micro-managing their lives"
"The police won't be able to enforce the law on their own so the government will need a small army of snoopers to report people."
Contact Gloucestershire NHS Stop Smoking Service on 0300 421 0040, or text GLOS to 80800 or find their page on social networking site Facebook.
