A leading advocacy group has revealed that over 90 per cent of New Zealanders are in favour of smoke-free cars.

Figures released by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) suggest that concerns voiced by the public further emphasise the importance of a continued commitment to a smoke-free Aotearoa by 2025.

Reports suggest over 90 per cent of New Zealanders are in favour of smoke-free cars.

The news follows England's recent decision to ban drivers from smoking in their cars if they are carrying children as passengers – a law that will come into effect on October 1.

ASH insists over 100,000 children are exposed to second-hand smoking in cars in New Zealand, and a UMR omnibus survey carried out in 2014 has shown that 91 per cent of people want smoke-free cars, including 82 per cent of smokers.

ASH spokesperson Stephanie Erick says: 'The public are saying that they are concerned for our children's health.

'It is wonderful to see this nation stand together, including smokers and non-smokers, to voice their concerns to protect our children.”

'There is less than 10 years to go to achieve the government's goal of a smoke-free New Zealand. It's quite an ambitious goal but I think that this discussion tells us that the public are behind us.

'We would ask people to continue this discussion with their public representatives. ASH is also campaigning for plain packaging and continued tax increases on tobacco, and we would see these as a major priority in achieving a smoke-free New Zealand.”

In response to claims by a minority that smokefree cars could be perceived as intrusive, Stephanie says: 'Smoking takes away the right to choose a healthy lifestyle.

'Nicotine in tobacco products is highly addictive. The Ministry of Health have reported that 80 per cent of current smokers said they would not smoke if they could live their life over again.”