Coventry taxi drivers set for VAPING BAN as part of Condition of Fitness changes

Coventry taxi drivers are set to be banned from vaping or using similar e-cigarette products in their cabs .

Planned changes to licensing regulations for Coventry’s taxis look set to arrive after a report found vaping ‘unprofessional’ and distracting.

In a recent public report carried out by Coventry City Council (CCC) it said: “It is currently illegal for anybody to smoke using tobacco products in working premises. Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Vehicles are classified as working premises and it is illegal for anybody to smoke using tobacco products in licensed Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Vehicles.

“Although there is no definitive evidence that Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) products are harmful to the user or cause passive smoking however, private hire drivers and hackney carriage drivers are professional drivers and if using an ENDS product whist driving it is likely to distract from their safe use of the vehicle.

“Passengers perception of a professional driver using ENDS products in a vehicle when waiting for passengers is not likely to create a professional image to their prospective customers.”

The Cabinet Member for City Services must now decide whether to pass the new proposed conditions of fitness.

The new proposals follow a similar stance in London. Transport for London (TfL) recently reminded that smoking, including e-cigarettes (vapes) are not permitted in licensed vehicles even when they are not being used for hire and reward.

TfL regulations state: 'It is against the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places, workplaces and public and work vehicles.

'This means that smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not allowed by anyone in a private hire vehicle or taxi at any time. This includes the driver, even if the vehicle is not being used for hire and reward at the time.'

All licensed vehicles must also display 'NO SMOKING' signs, clearly visible to meet regulations.

Any driver or passenger caught smoking in a licensed vehicle at any time may be subject to a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice or a £200 court fine.