Cab driver fined £50 for smoking

Cab driver fined £50 for smoking

The council said it would prosecute those who flout the law
A taxi driver has been fined £50 under new smoking free legislation for lighting up in his own cab.

Iftikhar Ahmed, 50, was spotted with the cigarette while parked on Rochdale Road, without a passenger, in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

It has been illegal to smoke in any place of work in England, including private hire vehicles, since 1 July.

Some taxi drivers in Scotland have been caught flouting the laws, but Mr Ahmed is thought to be the first in England.

The taxi driver also became the first person to be issued with a fixed penalty notice by Oldham Council for non-compliance with the law.

The purpose of the controls is to safeguard members of the public from second-hand smoke.

It seems extraordinary we are prosecuting people for a victimless crime

Forest spokesman

Councillor David Hibbert, executive member for environment and regeneration, said: "The new controls in public places and work places, which are widely accepted, have the potential to make one of the largest community health improvements in the borough.

"The council will always give advice to individuals and employers regarding the new controls, but will also use formal action when necessary to safeguard Oldhamers from the health impacts of second-hand smoke," he added.

It is understood that licensing officials had warned taxi drivers in the borough not to smoke in their cars - regardless of whether passengers were present.

Mr Ahmed, from Oldham, owns his own cab and works for Motown Taxis in the town.

No-smoking signs

A spokesman for pro-smoking group Forest said it was an example of the new legislation going too far.

"It shows just how extreme and draconian the law is that a guy cannot have a cigarette in his break when there is nobody else in the cab.

"It seems extraordinary we are prosecuting people for a victimless crime."

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 fine.

In addition, anyone in charge of a smoke-free premises or vehicle who fails to prevent people smoking can be fined up to £2,500.

I've seen plenty of your cabbie friends smoking whilst driving, the council blokes will get w windfall if they start chasing you guys. I don't smoke so no worry