Stratford-on-Avon District Council has issued its first fixed penalty notices under the new smoking free legislation.
The District Council has fined 3 cab drivers £50 (£30 if paid within 15 days) each after being spotted by eagle-eyed Environmental Health Officers, although one of the taxi drivers is contesting the penalty and has chosen to have the offence dealt with by the magistrate's court, and another has been issued with a warning after being reported smoking in his taxi.
It has been illegal to smoke in any place of work in England, including private hire vehicles, since 1 July 2007. The new laws mean drivers must park and get out of their cars to smoke because a taxi counts as a public space.
District Council Officers have been watching public places since the ban was implemented and despite issuing these fines the ban has been successful.
"It is not something that we take lightly, and we have provided lots of information and support for taxi companies to make sure they are familiar with the requirements under the new laws," says Angela Lloyd, Smokefree Advisor for Stratford District Council.
"We hope these fines will serve as a warning and deterrent to other people and we hope Stratford District can maintain its near-perfect smoke-free record. This shows that the District Council will use formal action when necessary to safeguard people from the health impacts of second-hand smoke."
Failure to display no-smoking signs in smoke-free premises and vehicles is also an offence under the new legislation and can lead to a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice. In addition, anyone in charge of a smoke-free premises or vehicle who fails to prevent people smoking can be fined up to £2500.
