Aberdeen Press and Journal

August 29, 2007 Wednesday

Taxi drivers to be targeted in smoking ban crackdown

Highland taxi drivers are to be targeted in a new campaign to prevent them flouting the smoking ban.

Cabbies could be hit with a £50 fine if they are caught lighting up inside their vehicles by Highland Council enforcement officers.

Since the ban on smoking in public places came into force in Scotland in spring 2006, one in five people served with a fixed penalty notice for breaking the law in the north has been a taxi driver.

Anti-smoking officers will visit drivers at taxi ranks and they will target works vans to make sure drivers are complying with the law. If not, they will be given a fixed penalty notice.

Alistair Thomson, the council's head of environmental health and trading standards, said that while the ban had been well received, it was known that some drivers were disregarding the rules.

He said: "We have visited more than 2,000 premises in connection with the smoking ban and most businesses and individuals have taken a responsible position regarding the smoking ban.

"However, it would appear that a small number of individuals in the taxi trade and in works vehicles are choosing to ignore the law. Indeed, 20% of the formal warnings issued have been to taxi drivers.

"The (anti-smoking) officers have issued free signage to the taxi trade and advised that it is illegal to smoke in these vehicles. We have tried to educate and advise people in these sectors about the ban but, where this has not been effective, enforcement action through the issuing of fixed penalty notices will now be used." He said it was hoped that publicity about the campaign would discourage those drivers still smoking in their works vehicle.

Councillor John Laing, chairman of the transport environmental and community services committee, said: "I commend the council for taking a strong stance on this important issue. I am sure the taxi drivers will recognise the importance of protecting the health of their customers and observing the law."

An organisation representing taxi drivers in Inverness also gave the crackdown its support. Mark Williamson, of the Taxi and Private Hire Association Inverness, said: "Occasionally you see drivers flouting the rules and smoking inside their cars but generally they follow the rules.

"When they started using cars as a public service they should be adhering to rules.

"All operators received a letter in writing informing them of the council's moves.

"The fine would hit drivers but if they stop in the ranks they can get out and smoke in the fresh air rather than smoke in the car."
______________________

Deny any offence (they have to prove it, not you.)
Don't accept a fixed penalty.
Don't stop your vehicle for these numpties, they're not cops.
Don't smoke in your car at a rank, or with punters aboard.
A smell of smoke is not evidence

They have to be in uniform, and have
have ID badges clearly displayed.
They both have to witness the act and have a clear view.
There vehicle must display department for the environment on it.
You do NOT have to give your name or address, only an officer of the law can ask for this
They cannot detain you.
How can they bring a case against you if there is a rank full of witnesses who state that you was not smoking

Deny any offence (they have to prove it, not you.)
Don't accept a fixed penalty.
Don't stop your vehicle for these numpties, they're not cops.
Don't smoke in your car at a rank, or with punters aboard.
A smell of smoke is not evidence