Oldham taxi driver fined for smoking in his cab and discarding cigarette butt on floor - in front of council officers A cabbie has been prosecuted for smoking in his taxi – and then throwing the cigarette butt on the floor when council officers stopped him.
Environmental health staff at Oldham Council spotted Jonathan Cuggy parked up having a cigarette in his Toyota Avensis.
They went over to give him a fixed penalty notice of £50 – but while they were talking to him he threw the finished butt on the floor, earning him an £80 fine for littering.
Mr Cuggy, 45, did not pay either fine – so legal proceedings were then started against him by the council.
The case went to court, and at a hearing at Oldham Magistrates he was ordered to pay the £130 for both fines and £250 costs.
Mr Cuggy, who did not attend the hearing, submitted a guilty plea by post.
Under anti-smoking legislation it is illegal for either a driver or passenger to smoke in a taxi because it is classed as public transport.
Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Devolved Services, said: “It is against the law for drivers or passengers to smoke in taxis and it is only right that people should be able to enjoy a smoke free environment when they are in a cab.
“In this case the driver added to his earlier offence by throwing his cigarette out of the window and anyone who litters must be prepared to face the consequences.”
source:
http://menmedia.co.uk/manchesterevening ... l-officers
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