SMOKING in cars carrying children becomes illegal from today — and a new law banning retailers from selling e-cigarettes to under 18s also comes into force.

It will still be legal for people to smoke e-cigarettes in cars, and the ban does not apply to convertible cars which have their roof down.

Anyone breaking the law will be issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice.

It will also become an offence for adults to buy e-cigarettes on behalf of children.

Statistics show that second hand smoke from cigarettes contain more than 4,500 toxic chemicals, and that 80 per cent of it is invisible meaning opening the window simply blows the smoke back into the car.

Cllr Ann Cunliffe, Bolton Council’s cabinet member for public health and safeguarding children, said: “We welcome the new legislation as it means children and young people in Bolton will now be protected from smoky vehicles and from potentially breathing in the 4,500 toxic chemicals we know are in second hand smoke.

“Smoking within the enclosed confines of a car is extremely dangerous, especially for children whose young lungs are still developing, even when the window is open or the air conditioning is on.

"Children don’t always have a say when travelling in cars so we would urge all adults to comply with the law. There is always help on hand to support people worried about long journeys, as they can contact our local stop smoking service.”

Fiona Ashton, of Bolton Stop Smoking Service at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, added: “Health professionals really worry about the effect of second hand smoke on the health of youngsters.

"We know it can be difficult to stop smoking so we are available to help anyone who wants to quit so they can comply with this law and protect their children as well as improve their own health.”

Smokers and traders in Bolton town centre had mixed views on the new laws.

Father of two Imran Isap, who said he had cut down from a 60 a week smoking habit to 20 a week by using an e-cigarette, said he agreed with the changes on smoking in cars.

The 35-year-old said: "I wouldn't smoke in a car with my children, I wouldn't want them to breathe in anything.

"I think the e-cigarettes are more of a fashion thing, hopefully the ban will stop children getting into smoking."

Stephen Gandy, aged 21, agreed with Mr Isap. He said: "I think under 18s shouldn't be allowed to buy e-cigarettes, some children might try it and get addicted because they think it is cool or fashionable."

But Danny Simm, a Bolton FM DJ, said he thought banning e-cigarettes for children could lead to more youngsters smoking cigarettes.

The 18-year-old said: "I started smoking when I was 14 but when I was 16 I confessed to my mum and she bought me an e-cigarette.

"It has really helped me and I think it is a very effective tool to stop smoking. I think by banning them it is forcing young people to smoke cigarettes, which can be much worse for their health."

All four shops selling e-cigarettes The Bolton News spoke to — Smokers Exit, Wicked, Cigtronica and Online Vapour — said they did not sell them to under 18s as a matter of policy, despite the changes to the law.

Danny Banks, co-manager at Cigrtonica in Newport Street, said: "We don't sell e-cigarettes to children anyway, so it won't affect our business that much really.

"I started smoking when I was 14 but I have not had a cigarette in four years since I started using e-cigarettes. It is a healthier and cheaper alternative to normal cigarettes."

Battery powered e-cigarettes are an alternative way of consuming nicotine, without inhaling harmful chemicals such as tar and carbon monoxide.

The e-cigarette converts liquid nicotine into a mist which the smoker inhales.

A recent report carried out on behalf of Public Health England concluded that they are 95 per cent less harmful than tobacco, and that they could be prescribed on the NHS in future to help smokers quit.