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Taxi leaders welcome smoking ban

Leaders of England's taxi drivers have welcomed the complete ban on smoking in taxis and private hire vehicles which comes into effect at the end of this month. 'For some years we have promoted the right of drivers to ban smoking in their taxis, and the new law will end any confusion on the issue,' said taxi driver Jim Kelly, who chairs the cab trade committee of Unite's TGWU section. 'For us, this is primarily a workplace health issue. Like other workers, taxi drivers are entitled to do their job without being at risk of cancer and other deadly diseases from cigarette smoke.' He added: 'No-one would expect to be able to blow smoke over a factory or office worker while they are at their posts. Now taxi drivers, together with bar staff and others still at risk from cigarette smoke, will get the same protection and consideration as the rest of the working population.' He said he had just returned from Dublin, where a workplace smoking ban was working well. 'I hope the next generation of taxi drivers will wonder how we ever tolerated smoking in our vehicles, and this measure could mean a lot more of our members will still be around to answer that question,' he said. From July, it will be illegal in England to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places, workplaces and public and work vehicles, including public transport and buildings associated with public transport.

• Unite news release.
• TUC smoking webpages, including smoking policy guide [pdf]. Hazards smoking news and resources.

Briefing document (300 words) issued 15 Jun 2007