Welsh private hire vehicle driver is fined by council for smoking in car

A private hire vehicle (PHV) driver from Torfaen has been fined for smoking in his car.

The incident comes after recent regulations were implemented in Wales under Smoke-free Premises and Vehicles (Wales) Regulations 2020 from 1 March 2021.

The licensing team of Torfaen Council received a complaint against the driver for lighting up in his private hire vehicle, which is now a punishable offence under the new regulations.

The fine was issued in accordance with the guidelines for maintaining a smoke-free environment in vehicles, ensuring the health and safety of the passengers.

Such measures have been taken to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and align with laws promoting a healthy lifestyle across Wales.

The Council’s Licensing Committee report said: “It is against the law to smoke in a vehicle that carries members of the public, therefore a vehicle licensed for either hackney carriage or private hire use is designated as a smoke-free premises.

“A licensed vehicle is a licensed vehicle at all times, irrespective as to whether or not the vehicle is being used for hackney carriage or private hire purposes. A fixed penalty notice for smoking in a smoke-free premises has been issued to the driver and to date has not been paid.”