Taxi Driver Online

When I saw the headline, and the name of the council, I knew it would be a cracker...and not in a good way


Taxi driver rapped for vaping in vehicle - on his day off

https://www.ardrossanherald.com/news/24 ... --day-off/

A TAXI driver caught vaping in his cab on his day off has been reprimanded by North Ayrshire's licensing committee.

David McComb was spotted by licensing officers vaping in his vehicle in Canal Street, Saltcoats, near Auchenharvie Academy on December 23.

Licensing officer Drew Robertson said the cabbie had held a licence since 2009 and there had been no previous complaints made against him.

He added: "On December 23, Mr McComb was observed by myself driving his blue Skoda south west in Canal Street, Stevenston within a built-up area. At this time Mr McComb was alone in the vehicle with the driver’s window half down.

“He was observed holding a cigarette or vaping device in his right hand and blowing smoke out of the window.

“A few minutes later he was traced to the taxi rank at Stevenston Cross.

“When the allegation was put to him, he initially could not remember if he was smoking and he was able to show me a vaping device which was on a lanyard round his neck.

“He said he was not working at the time and on this occasion he was out collecting weekend takings from previous hires.

“Mr McComb added it was his normal practice to vape within the vehicle and he used flavoured oils as he believed the smell did not offend his customers. He was unaware the conditions related to smoking were in force regardless of whether or not the vehicle was being used as a taxi.”

The driver said: “I was smoking in a taxi with the vape but it was my day off and I was not actually working, I was only out doing personal things and getting new tyres for the car. I was out to get takings from my other drivers. I was not there to work and had no money bag.”

Chair Eleanor Collier said taxi drivers should not smoke in their vehicles regardless of whether or not it was out for hire.

Councillor Christina Larsen said: “You have been a taxi driver for 16 years but you are not supposed to smoke or vape in the taxi whether you are on or off hire. It would be good for you to refresh yourself on the licensing conditions.”

Councillor Jean McClung said: “Vapes make me feel sick so you now know you cannot smoke in that vehicle, for the safety of your passengers.”

A motion was proposed by Cllr Larsen to issue a warning letter and this was seconded by Councillor Donald L Reid.

Councillor Matthew McLean proposed an amendment to issue a verbal warning as the driver was not working at the time.

The motion was carried with five votes, with two supporting the amendment.

Why did I know Councillor Jean McClung would get all holier than thou about it?

She was the one banging the drum for the recently twice-banned driver who was granted a badge

I'm guessing not a lot happens in North Ayrshire.

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IDFIMH