- Former taxi driver prosecuted for smoking in his licensed vehicle.
- Taxi driver ordered to pay £234.
- Council reminds taxi drivers that smoking in licensed vehicles is against the law.
Tamworth Borough Council has successfully prosecuted a former licensed taxi driver after he was caught smoking in a licensed Hackney Carriage.
Stephen Turner, who was licensed as a taxi driver with Tamworth Borough Council at the time of the offence, smoked in a licensed Hackney Carriage on 30 May 2025.
Smoking in the vehicle constituted an offence under Section 7 of the Health Act 2006, which relates to smoking in a smoke-free place.
Following the offence, Stephen Turner was initially issued with a fixed penalty notice. When the original notice was not paid, Tamworth Borough Council made the decision to prosecute. Stephen Turner is no longer a taxi driver with the council.
The case was dealt with at Cannock Magistrates' Court through the Single Justice Procedure on 9 June 2026, where the offence was proved.
Stephen Turner was fined £60, ordered to pay £150 in costs and a £24 victim surcharge, bringing the total amount payable to £234.
The prosecution provides an important reminder to licensed drivers of their responsibility to comply with smoke-free legislation when operating licensed vehicles.
Councillor David Foster, portfolio holder for environmental sustainability, recycling and waste at Tamworth Borough Council, said: “People using licensed taxis should be able to expect a clean and safe environment when they make their journey.
“Licensed drivers have a responsibility to comply with the law and the standards expected of them. Smoking in a licensed vehicle is not acceptable, and where offences are identified the council can take appropriate action.
“In this case, a fixed penalty notice was initially issued but was not paid, leading the council to pursue prosecution. The successful prosecution should serve as a clear reminder that these requirements need to be taken seriously.
“We would encourage all licensed drivers to make sure they understand and follow the rules that apply to their vehicles.”
Notes:
- Tamworth Borough Council regulates Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and Town Police Clauses Act 1847.
- The smoke-free law came into effect in July 2007, with few exceptions the law prohibits smoking in virtually all enclosed or substantially enclosed public places, workplaces and public/work vehicles.