HEALTH chiefs and environmentalists welcome two new laws that will impact on most of us.

From tomorrow (Thursday, October 1), you’ll no longer be able to smoke in a vehicle if you’re travelling with anyone under 18 – offenders will be fined £50.

The legislation comes into effect on the first day of Stoptober, a nationwide drive throughout October to assist people trying to give up smoking.

It doesn’t apply if the driver is 17 and on their own in the vehicle, although it is still illegal for 17-year-olds to smoke if someone else in the car is under 18.

You’ll also be able to light up in front of a passenger aged under 18 if you’re driving a convertible with the roof down.

The move to protect people from second-hand smoke comes eight years after a ban on smoking in enclosed public places.

The other new law, coming in on Monday, October 5, will see large stores charging customers 5p for every new plastic carrier bag they use to carry their shopping.

But there could be some confusion among shoppers as the charge won’t apply in small businesses employing under 250 people, while in larger stores cashiers will be asked to decide whether the goods shoppers are buying qualify for a free bag.