Taxi Driver Online

December 24, 2007 Monday

Taxi drivers fined for smoking

The Bolton News

FIVE taxi drivers are among eight people to be issued with fixed penalty notices for flouting the controversial smoking ban.

Bolton Council has released the figures in a bid to deter further people from ignoring the law and lighting up in an enclosed public place.

Since the legislation was introduced on July 1, five cabbies, two Bolton Wanderers fans and Gerard Hart - the first man to be fined in Bolton - have been ordered to pay the £50 penalty.

Cllr Rosa Kay, executive member for adult social care and health, said: "Like many towns in the country, the introduction of the new smoking legislation in July was greeted with much enthusiasm in Bolton.

"Apart from a very small minority, most people understood the importance of such legislation and supported it wholeheartedly.

"As an authority, we were advised to adopt a softly, softly' approach to enforcement and we think we have succeeded in striking an appropriate balance between upholding the law and managing the issues on a daily basis."

Mr Hart, aged 47 of Bradford Street, The Haulgh, initially refused to pay his fine and was taken to court, where he was ordered to pay £338.

Taxi driver Mustak Bhuta, the leader of Bolton's private hire association, was spotted lighting up by a council officer while he was driving on Moor Lane, Bolton.

Two people have been issued with fixed penalty notices at Bolton Wanderers matches, one has been paid.

Former landlord, Nick Hogan, is due in court in January to face five counts of failing to prevent people smoking on his premises.

Since the ban was introduced, 90 £75 fixed penalty notices have been handed out to people dropping cigarette butts on the streets of Bolton and a further six for cigarette-related litter, such as cellophane, foil or boxes.

Cllr Kay said: "The long-term aim of banning smoking in enclosed spaces and workplaces is to improve the health and well-being of all Bolton residents."
________________________