Victorian parents face harsher fines and six month jail for leaving children in cars

Victorian parents who leave a child unattended in a car are set to face double the jail time and harsher fines.

New Victorian laws mean parents will face six months in jail, and maximum fines will jump from $2214 to $3690.

Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Wendy Lovell said despite awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of leaving children in cars, Ambulance Victoria would be called to about 1000 cases each year of children left in cars.

About 30 of those end up in hospital, and two babies have died in recent years.

She said the government's message was that it was never OK to leave a child unattended in a car.

"Whatever the reasons, there's simply no excuses for leaving a child unattended," Ms Lovell said.

The legislation will be introduced to parliament today.