Liverpool taxi drivers handed HIGHEST number of fines for smoking in licensed vehicles
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 9
Liverpool City Council issued 103 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to taxi drivers caught smoking in their vehicles during the 2024–25 tax year, the highest number reported by any UK council.
The figures were obtained through Freedom of Information requests submitted by Alternix to local authorities across the UK. The data confirms Liverpool as the local authority issuing the most penalties for the offence.
Smoking in a licensed vehicle, even when used privately by the driver, has been an offence under the Health Act 2006. The act classifies such vehicles as ‘smoke free places’, and breaches can result in a financial penalty.
Of the 103 fines issued in Liverpool, 77 were paid within 15 days at a reduced rate of £30. A further 16 were settled within 29 days at the standard £50. Six drivers failed to pay within the set time limits and were summoned to court. The council does not hold information on the outcomes of these court summonses.
Councils have discretion to set FPN amounts, provided they fall within the bounds of national legislation. In all councils examined, the payment levels were £30 if paid within 15 days, rising to £50 if paid within 29 days.
North Somerset Council issued the second highest number of smoking-related FPNs at 66. All were paid within 29 days, although it has not confirmed how many were paid within the early payment period.
Birmingham City Council followed with 48 penalties. Thirty-seven were paid within 15 days, and six were paid later. Two drivers were summoned to court. In one case the matter was withdrawn, while the other driver was charged with a separate littering offence after receiving multiple penalties on the same day.
Other councils issuing penalties included Calderdale (39), Mid Ulster (32), Bradford (18), North Tyneside (14), Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (13), Hart (11), and Knowsley (7).
David Philips at Alternix said: “Second hand smoke is a known killer, contributing to people developing lung cancer. It is encouraging to see that councils are taking action to enforce the law and ensure that members of the public can enjoy a smoke-free journey.
“Some smokers may find it difficult to quit and effectively manage their withdrawal symptoms. For drivers who are struggling to quit smoking, nicotine pouches can provide a discreet smoke-free method of nicotine delivery, to ensure that you remain compliant with the law.”
