Taxi Driver Online

I haven't even attempted to smoke since I was a (young) teenager, and hate the habit.

But this nitpicking, holier-than-thou stuff about third hand smoke etc is just off the scale

I could blather on, but we'd be here all day.

But reminds me of, for example, when the smoking ban came in here nearly 20 years ago, and environmental LOs in Dundee were going around sniffing ashtrays in taxis etc. Or something like that

To be fair, even after the smoking band was introduced here, some of the cars in the St Andrews area still smelt like ashtrays. And I mean the whole car


City of Doncaster Council cracks down on smoking in enclosed spaces after a taxi driver was found smoking in his cab

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/he ... ab-5487265

Following a recent prosecution, City of Doncaster Council is reminding the public that it is against the law to smoke in any enclosed workplace or public building and that being caught in the act could lead to a fine being imposed.

Under national legislation, smoking is strictly prohibited in work premises that are used by more than one person, as it can expose others to the harmful effects of second-hand, and even third-hand, smoke. This restriction applies not only to office spaces and buildings, but to licensed taxis and other private hire vehicles as well.

A prosecution was recently made on these grounds here in Doncaster, when a local taxi driver was spotted smoking in his cab by the council’s dedicated environmental enforcement officers.

A spokesman said: “This is reckless behaviour under any circumstances as — even if there is nobody else in the vehicle at the time — pollution and toxic residue from tobacco fumes can still seep into interior surfaces, including carpets and car seats.

“It is then slowly released back into the air over time, posing a continued risk for others who may enter the vehicle at a later date. This is referred to as third-hand smoke.”

A standard Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £50 was issued to the taxi driver in this instance. However, that amount subsequently increased when the individual failed to pay their original fine. Following court proceedings, they have now been ordered to pay a total of £446.05.

Speaking about this, Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing and Safer Communities at City of Doncaster Council, said: “As demonstrated by our recent prosecution case, this is an issue that we take very seriously. Smoking carries obvious health risks for those who are actively involved, but when done in an enclosed workplace or in a public building it can also have an impact on others.

“That is why we strongly enforce the smoke free legislation, and vigilantly look out for those who flout it. With that said, if our officers do see anybody breaking the law here, either during a routine patrol or as part of ongoing investigations, then they will take action.”

Rachael Leslie, Executive Director of Public Health in Doncaster, added: “Residents have the right to live healthy lives and should be able to go about their business in workplaces and publicly accessible buildings without having to worry about putting their health at risk. Among other things, this means ensuring that they aren’t exposed to the harmful effects of second or third-hand smoke.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to remind the public that there is ample support and out there in Doncaster for smokers who would like to take their first step towards quitting, and would encourage people to make use of these readily available resources.”

Those looking to stop smoking can access free advice by calling 0800612001 or 03306601166. Alternatively, they can also visit the online NHS Yorkshire Smokefree Service or contact their local stop smoking service.

Meanwhile, anyone concerned about a young person’s smoking, vaping or any other aspect of their health, can speak to the team at Doncaster’s young person’s Zone 5-19 Health and Wellbeing service on 0300 0218997.

If someone plates a second-hand vehicle, do council staff sniff the seats to make sure it's compliant, or do they have some sort of sniff-o-meter for that purpose?