Taxi Driver Online

Cab driver fined £50 for smoking

The council said it would prosecute those who flout the law
A taxi driver has been fined £50 under new smoking free legislation for lighting up in his own cab.

Iftikhar Ahmed, 50, was spotted with the cigarette while parked on Rochdale Road, without a passenger, in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

It has been illegal to smoke in any place of work in England, including private hire vehicles, since 1 July.

Some taxi drivers in Scotland have been caught flouting the laws, but Mr Ahmed is thought to be the first in England.

The taxi driver also became the first person to be issued with a fixed penalty notice by Oldham Council for non-compliance with the law.

The purpose of the controls is to safeguard members of the public from second-hand smoke.

It seems extraordinary we are prosecuting people for a victimless crime

Forest spokesman

Councillor David Hibbert, executive member for environment and regeneration, said: "The new controls in public places and work places, which are widely accepted, have the potential to make one of the largest community health improvements in the borough.

"The council will always give advice to individuals and employers regarding the new controls, but will also use formal action when necessary to safeguard Oldhamers from the health impacts of second-hand smoke," he added.

It is understood that licensing officials had warned taxi drivers in the borough not to smoke in their cars - regardless of whether passengers were present.

Mr Ahmed, from Oldham, owns his own cab and works for Motown Taxis in the town.

No-smoking signs

A spokesman for pro-smoking group Forest said it was an example of the new legislation going too far.

"It shows just how extreme and draconian the law is that a guy cannot have a cigarette in his break when there is nobody else in the cab.

"It seems extraordinary we are prosecuting people for a victimless crime."

Failure to display no-smoking signs in smoke-free premises and vehicles is also an offence under the new legislation and can lead to a £200 fine.

In addition, anyone in charge of a smoke-free premises or vehicle who fails to prevent people smoking can be fined up to £2,500.

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

I must have seen dozens of drivers smoking in taxi/PHs in my manor since the ban.

Now are they thick, or rebels with a cause?

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IDFIMH

I saw plenty of builders / decorators smoking in their vans today....never see them being fined though.....wonder why cab drivers get picked on?

CC

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

Because no f***er likes us.

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IDFIMH

I dont think so....IMO its a case of its easier to report a licensed driver with LA officials who have sweet FA better to do.

CC

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

Thick.

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Former taxi driver

I saw a coach driver today smoking his pipe whilst driving along.

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Grandad,

So far our council has sent out lots of threatening letters but i doubt they'll carry through their threats

Don't come to Lincoln then - no warnings anymore, just tickets. Even for incorrect signage!!!

Yeah? So we all get an improvement in our health. We all live longer.

And just so we can all claim the pensions that are inadequate already. And use a health service that can't cope. And use more elderly care services that are already buckling under the pressure.

This isn't about health. Where are all the folks keeling over because of second hand smoke?

This is about control. They made this draconian law because they can. And because we let them.

So, what's next? Boxing too dangerous a sport? The most widely practice pasttime of angling too cruel for the fish? Hill walking, climbing and mountaineering too big a drain on the rescue services? Too dangerous to sit on a beach in case you fall into the water, more drain on the rescue services? Rivers banned. Alcohol banned because it stresses teh health service. Televisions bad for your eysight. Mobile fones too many microwaves. The news because the less you know the better it is for the controllers? Travelling to work because of the stress on the environment?

And all because we let them.

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Justice for the 96. It has only taken 27 years...........repeat the same lies for 27 years and the truth sounds strange to people!

Wow! Imagine that! The licencing enforcement officer doing his job.

I know how to get one over on him though. Don't smoke, get "correct signeage"

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Former taxi driver

Don't get carried away, I think the smoking ban is being enforced by environmental health.

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Grandad,

The smoking ban in Lincoln is being enforced by the Licensing Enforcement Officer. He covers ALL licensing pubs and clubs, as well as Taxi and PH.

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Former taxi driver

One person to cover the whole city, he must be a busy man.

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Grandad,