A new law has come into effect in Northern Ireland, which bans smoking in cars when children are present, reports BBC News.

It is already illegal to smoke on public transport or shared work vehicles and now smoking in a vehicle carrying children is outlawed in Northern Ireland. This brings the country in line with England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland where the law has been in force since 2015 and 2016 respectively.
Additionally, the sale of e-cigarettes and other nicotine inhaling products to under 18s is banned, reports BBC News. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and environmental health officers will be able to enforce fines of up to GBP 2,500 for offences against the bans.
Cancer Focus NI has welcomed the new laws saying they would protect children’s health and stop children from thinking smoking is natural behaviour.
"We know that children who regularly see adults smoke are more likely to try smoking," said Naomi Thompson from Cancer Focus NI.
Health Minister Robin Swann said that although tobacco use in youths had been steadily decreasing it was still a main cause of preventable ill-health and premature death.