A CONSULTATION on proposed legislation to ban smoking in vehicles when children are present will be launched by a Liberal Democrat MSP tomorrow.

South Scotland MSP Jim Hume will launch the consultation on proposals for his Member's Bill.

He said the move had already gained support from a number of charities, including the British Heart Foundation and Children In Scotland, the national agency for organisations with youngsters.

It comes as the tobacco display ban comes into force, meaning the largest retailers will not be allowed to have tobacco products on display.

Mr Hume said banning adults from smoking in cars when children are present is the next step in tobacco control.

He said: "Passive smoking is entirely avoidable and a private vehicle is one of the few places a child can still be legally exposed to tobacco smoke.

"I stand alongside the British Heart Foundation, British Lung Foundation, Children In Scotland and ASH Scotland, among many others, in seeking a change to the law.

"I hope people and organisations from across Scotland can take part in this important consultation.

"It does not seem fair that any child should have to be trapped in a car that is filled with cigarette smoke.

"When you consider the real implications this can have for a child's immediate and future health, it is clear we need to do what we can to protect children and give them the best start in life."

The ban on the display of cigarettes and other tobacco products in larger retailers came into force today.

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said the move would help prevent young people from taking up smoking.

The open display ban also prohibits the sale of cigarettes from vending machines.