A TAXI driver from Stratford has been fined for smoking at the wheel of their cab.
Licensing officers from Stratford District Council saw the driver, who has not been named, in possession of a lit cigarette, while driving a black cab.
Officers issued the £50 Fixed Penalty Notice of £50, under the Health Act 2006, to the licensed driver.
SDC community safety spokesman Coun Christopher Kettle 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 his vehicle was smoke free and that smoking inside any licensed vehicle would not be tolerated.
The driver paid the fine immediately.
