A new UK law to protect children from secondhand smoke in cars, is being heralded in New Zealand.

From October it will be illegal for anyone in the UK to smoke in a vehicle with children in it.

Stephanie Erick from anti-smoking group ASH says too many Kiwi kids are dying as a result of adults puffing away while driving.

"And we know that 350 children die each year from second hand smoke in cars, and that's horrific."

Stephanie Erick is encouraging people concerned about the health and rights of our children to get the ball rolling on a similar law for New Zealand.