The new ban against smoking in cars when children are present is a “huge step in the right direction”, a leading Suffolk health boss has claimed.

From today (October 1), the new law, which protects children from the effects of tobacco smoke, will see the driver and any smoker fined £50 if they have someone under 18 in the car too.

October 1 also marks the launch of the annual ‘Stoptober’ campaign to help smokers kick the habit.

Steven Lee-Foster, director of Live Well Suffolk, said: “This ban is a huge step in the right direction to help protect the health of children and young people.

“We also know from experience that smoking is a habit that many people take up before they are 18 after watching their parents smoke, so anything that helps to prevent this is welcome.

“With today’s new law and start of the Stoptober challenge, it’s an ideal time for parents to give quitting a try.”

Throughout October, Live Well Suffolk will be running daily Stoptober drop-in sessions at their Adelphi House headquarters on Turret Lane in Ipswich, offering practical advice and support to anyone who is interested in taking part in the 28-day quit challenge. The organisation’s advisors will also be on-hand to support smokers across the county.

For this year’s Stoptober campaign smokers are being urged to support each other after research revealed people’s chances of quitting successfully are increased when they kick the habit with a partner, friend or colleague.

Mr Lee-Foster added: “We know how difficult stopping smoking can be but Stoptober is a perfect time to give it a try.

“Quitting for just 28 days means you’re five times more likely to stay smoke-free for good and if you take on the challenge with a friend or loved one you’ll be able to maximise your chances of success by supporting each other.”

For more information about Live Well Suffolk and their range of stop smoking services, or to sign up to the Stoptober challenge, visit www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk or call 01473 229292.