Parents who pack up the travel accessories for children and take their kids on car trips this summer should not be allowed to smoke in their vehicle by law.

According to the British Lung Foundation (BLF), it is a "natural next step" that people should be stopped from lighting up in an enclosed space where youngsters are present.

In-house research found 86 per cent of parents back the charity's call, while 83 per cent of smokers are also in support of the proposal.

However, the survey also uncovered some worrying information - 13 per cent of tobacco users wrongly believe that lighting up around children does not damage their health.

A petition has been launched by the non-profit body to pressure the government into looking at changing the law around passive smoking.

BLF chief executive Dame Helena Shovelton remarked: "It is much worse [to passively smoke] if you're inside a small tin box with wheels than if you're in a large room.

"The big thing is trying to get people to sign the petition."

Posted by Teresa O'BrienADNFCR-3005-ID-19843036-ADNFCR