Last Tuesday, Frankston Mayor Christine Richards announced a six-month trial of no-smoking zones in high pedestrian-traffic areas of the Frankston central activity district.

The move has been applauded by health groups, with VicHealth executive Todd Harper calling it a "fabulous win and a way forward for all local communities".

"These actions recognise that it's dangerous and deadly to subject people – especially children - to second-hand tobacco smoke in areas where people carry out their normal activities," he said.

Monash Council, which introduced a ban on smoking in playgrounds more than two years ago, became the first state winner of the Heart Foundation's award for programs and policies that reduce exposure to tobacco in October 2008.

No one has been fined for smoking in playgrounds since the local law was introduced.

Monash Mayor Charlotte Baines said the council would keep an eye on Frankston's trial.

"For several years, Monash has been conscious of the issues surrounding smoking in public places, which led to us passing a local law in July 2007 banning smoking in playgrounds," she said.

"Since then, the council has been exploring options to build on this local law and will be closely observing Frankston's trial ban."