Taxi drivers go smoke free

Mar 1 2007 By Emma Culliwck, Birmingham Mail

NICOTINE addicts will be left standing by the roadside if they want a cigarette as Birmingham taxi drivers today banned smoking.

From July 1, all taxis must comply with new legislation which will outlaw smoking in work and public places, including vehicles used for work.

But a third of all taxi drivers in Birmingham have brought the deadline forward and their cabs will be smoke free from today, four months ahead of schedule.

The Smoke-Free Birmingham Campaign today praised the actions of the city's cabbies.

Campaign manager Janet Reece said: "Most people are aware the law covers places such as bars and restaurants.

"But it's not so well known that it includes workplace vehicles, so we are working with the taxi drivers to raise awareness of this."

Taxis involved in the initiative will sport high profile window stickers stating they are "smoke free" and asking smokers to stub out their cigarettes before getting on board.

The initiative has the full backing of the Birmingham and Solihull Taxi Association (BSTA).

Mike Shingler, BSTA's general secretary, said: "Taxi drivers are pleased to support this initiative - not just for their customers but also themselves.

"I was shocked to discover that men in Birmingham can expect to live a shorter life than in other areas and this is partly down to smoking.

"So anything that helps improve our health is to be encouraged."