Taxi Driver Online

Ipswich taxi driver’s carriage licence could be in jeopardy after being caught smoking for third time in his vehicle

A taxi driver’s carriage licence could be in jeopardy after he was caught smoking in his vehicle for the third time.

Andrew Slinn, of Swansea Avenue, Ipswich, had denied smoking in a smoke-free place when he elected to stand trial before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.

However, magistrates found in favour of Ipswich Borough Council, which brought the prosecution.

The authority has said it felt it had no option but to pursue the case after the 62-year-old Slinn was warned about the same offence in 2011 and then convicted at flouting the law for a second time in 2013.

It was alleged Slinn was seen in his Vauxhall outside the entrance to Ipswich Hospital on February 5.

At the time his vehicle was stationary, however it is designated a smoke-free zone by law.

Slinn was seen smoking inside the vehicle by an employee from a neighbouring authority.

The employee took a note of his details and reported Slinn to Ipswich Borough Council, which then began court proceedings.

The council said that Slinn had claimed he had been smoking an electronic cigarette.

After the case a spokesman for the borough council said it will now consider Slinn’s future in regards to him being a licensed taxi driver.

The authority also warned others in taxis who flout the smoking laws that, although it was a last resort, it would not hesitate to pursue further prosecutions if it deemed them necessary.

The spokesman said: “The borough council will now consider Mr Slinn’s future in relation to his taxi driver’s licence.

“It could now be in jeopardy as the council will consider what action it will be taking as a result of this conviction.

“This case illustrates that Ipswich Borough Council takes the law regarding to smoking in taxis very seriously and if all other efforts fail to deter someone from doing so we will not hesitate to purse a prosecution through the courts. “

Slinn declined to comment when approached after the hearing.

source: http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/ipswi ... _1_3840381

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I wonder if they have the same approach to drivers of other work vehicles?

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Grandad,

Well unless it's a licensed vehicle or a council vehicle it's not any of their business really is it

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

As I understand it, any works vehicle is classed as a work place and therefore smoking in that vehicle is illegal.

Prosecutions for smoking in any work vehicle is usually done by one of the council departments such as environmental health.
Here you go.
"Who's responsible for enforcing the smokefree law?"

Smokefree law will be enforced by local councils and port health authorities, within the areas for which they have responsibilities. The Smokefree (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations specify the bodies that will be enforcement authorities for the smokefree law.

The approach local councils will take to enforcement is based on supporting businesses and the public to comply with the smokefree law by providing advice, support and information at first. Formal enforcement action should only be needed when the seriousness of the cases warrants such action.

If you need advice on the smokefree law, please make contact with your local council. You can find your local council on the DirectGov website here

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Grandad,

The driver is a prise pratt.

He appears to be one of those that thinks laws only apply to others.

The trade is best rid of him.

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IDFIMH