Taxi driver handed fine and warning by council after licensing officers observe lit cigarette in cab

A taxi driver from Stratford-upon-Avon has been issued a Fixed Penalty Notice and warning from Stratford-on-Avon District Council for smoking in their vehicle.

Licensing officers from the District Council witnessed the driver, who has not been named, in possession of a lit cigarette whilst driving a Hackney Carriage vehicle.

Officers issued the Fixed Penalty Notice of £50, under the Health Act 2006, Section 7 (Offence of smoking in a smoke free place) to a licensed driver.

Cllr Christopher Kettle, Legal and Community Safety Portfolio at the District Council, said: "The legislation to prevent smoking in smoke free places was introduced to protect members of the public from the harmful effects of second-hand cigarette smoke.

"It is illegal to smoke in any commercial vehicle carrying members of the public, including taxis and private hire vehicles. The legislation requires all vehicles used for public transport to be smoke free at all times which includes when they do not have passengers. Equally taxi drivers have a greater responsibility in that they need to protect the public health of their passengers."

Following the incident, the driver was reminded of his legal responsibility to ensure that his vehicle is smoke free and that smoking inside any licensed vehicle will not be tolerated.

The Fixed Penalty Notice was paid immediately and in full.