The Cancer Council has been lobbying for solariums to be banned for years, arguing that anyone who first used a tanning bed before they turned 35 has doubled their risk of developing melanoma.

The campaign gained momentum after death of Melbourne woman Clare Oliver from skin cancer in 2007.

Now NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker says the Government has agreed to ban tanning beds from 2014.

"It is a number one carcinogen. It's equivalent to asbestos," she said.

Greens MP John Kaye has welcomed the ban but says it should be immediate.

"Waiting around for waiting around for three years means about 43 people we estimate will die needlessly," he said.

Ms Parker says the 2014 deadline was chosen to give tanning businesses a chance to diversify

Cancer Council chief executive Dr Andrew Penman says despite the delay, the ban will still be effective.

"I think the effect of today's announcement will be to send out a very strong message to the industry," he said.

"I suspect the industry will start dismantling its capacity ahead of 2014 and I'm sure that people who potentially are users of these centres will really prick up their ears and understand the seriousness of the exposure they've subjected themselves to."

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