Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers fear smoke ban violence

TAXI drivers in Warwickshire fear a surge in violence against cabbies when a ban on smoking in public comes into force. They say they have effectively been left to police the smoking ban which comes into force in all public places - including taxis - on July 1.

A spokesman for the National Private Hire Association, which represents more than 400 private taxi firms, said drivers no longer bothered to report attacks from passengers because they had become so common.

Association chairman Bryan Roland said the smoking ban would force drivers to choose between breaking the law by allowing people to smoke or putting themselves in the firing line of drunken passengers.

He said: "It is already dangerous out there and there are attacks on drivers every day. This ban is just going to make it worse for the lone taxi driver picking up drunken people at night."

Under the new law, if drivers allow smoking in their cars, their firm is liable for fines of up to £2,500. Being caught could also lead to the driver losing their licence.

Phil Court, from Castle Taxis in Warwick, said the alternative to breaking the law would mean facing abuse and violence. He said: "It is all right the council saying that is the law but what are drivers going to say to someone who has had 10 pints and wants to smoke? "It is a hard enough job anyway and this will just add to the stress. Drivers' personal safety will be at risk."

John Stearn, owner of Abbey Cabs in Kenilworth said there was already a ban on smoking in his cars. But he said Warwick District Council, which is responsible for licensing taxis in the town, had given no advice on how the law change would affect taxi drivers.

Martin Walker, chairman of Nuneaton and Bedworth Taxi Proprietors Association, said the law would just reinforce the existing ban on smoking in cabs. But Mr Roland said: "That is a very naive view. "It is the taxi drivers that will have to enforce it and they will be putting themselves in firing line."

David Davies, licensing services manager for Warwick District Council, said: "We accept the council's responsibility and are making taxi drivers as aware as possible."

He said letters had been sent to drivers renewing their licences and to those with queries.

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IDFIMH

Is something being made out of nothing here?

I think I have been asked twice in as many years if punters can smoke in my car.

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IDFIMH

No-one has EVER smoked in my PHV, without my say so. Drunk or not. Ive NEVER had an incident because i asked someone to put their fag out before getting in.

Our LO has issued window stickers since the year dot stating "This is a No Smoking vehicle". At least this way you get to pass on the blame. I smoke but I've never had a problem with passengers - if its long distance I'll let them have a smoke if there are under the influence I simply tell them that the car runs on dual fuel and that they are sitting on a gas tank normally works a treat! I think someone did ask once and I told them that they had to pay a £500 deposit for the replacement of the seat in case they burnt it and there ended the conversation and request!

My smoking ban has been in place for five years - it is simple put it out or walk - it works . Me thinks that this has been put out by drivers who like a drag while working - guys this is here to stay - get over it

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if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

Nobody has smoked in my car for about 8 years now ever since i flicked a fag out the window and it flew back in and put a hole in the back seat

The smoking ban works in Scotland, and people know that they will be fined, the fine is £30 if they pay it strait away, but if your self employed and one of you punters lights up, not only will they be fined you will receive a £200 fine on top, for allowing it to happen, If you work for a company there will be 3 fines, the punter the driver, and the owner.
It is the drivers responsibility to ensure the punters ad-hear to this.
If a punter insists on lighting up stop the car and tell them to put it out, or get out of the cab and smoke it, if they get out and you think there could be trouble just drive off.
If a punter asks if they can have a smoke tell them you will stop and wait while they have one outside but keep the meter running.

Absolutely ............. to much is being made of this, and the advice from Skippy is spot on.

B. Lucky

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

Our LO has told us we must put No smoking signs on both back doors (despite us having a complete no smoking ban for years).

Problem is we have a byelaw banning any signage on the vehicle.

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A member of the Hire or Reward Industry

the ban works in scotland regarding our trade..i find any request to smoke cums from broken brained drunks who can't even tell u wot street they live in ! a firm reply soon quashes any future request.
the pub trade is different tho...it's sad 2 see old guys who were prepared 2 die 4 their country freezing their bollocks off outside pubs in scottish weather ! i think a national light up day should be intoduced when every smoker in every town,city,village should light up at the designated time...wot could they do ?? tell them we put u in government and we'll soon take u out if u don't comply with the people...

sounds like shoulder 2 shoulder 2 me !!!!

It is not the punters that are the problem around my way. It is the drivers that refuse to stop smoking in the cabs even though it has been a condition of the lisence since July last year. Not one driver has been reprimanded yet although a letter was sent out from the LA last week saying that drivers were being watched on the town CCTV and offenders would be called in. Big brother is watching.

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Grandad,

I should have added that I have yet to see Mr Roland without a fag inhis hand or juggling a cigarette box nervously.

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A member of the Hire or Reward Industry