London's taxi and private hire licensing authority, Transport for London, is reminding all drivers of no smoking laws within their vehicles - including e-cigarettes and vape sticks.
It is against the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed public spaces, workplaces and public and work vehicles.
This means that smoking is not allowed by anyone in a private hire vehicle or taxi, at any time.
Transport for London have also stressed and clarified, via a written notice, that the law includes both passenger and driver, even if the vehicle is not being used for hire and reward at the time.
Drivers and passengers caught smoking, including E-cigarettes and vape sticks, in a licensed private hire or taxi vehicle could find themselves facing a fixed penalty of £50.
If prosecuted and convicted by a court, that fine could increase to £200.
All licensed vehicles should have, by licensing rules, no smoking signage, which must also visibly include E-cigarettes.
Whilst during the winter months the prospect of standing in the cold could tempt you to take the risk of sitting in a heated vehicle to enjoy your favourite brand, it's no doubt best to stick to the law and avoid risking prosecution.
Image credit: Joka2000
