PRESS RELEASE

Reissued with photo

Issued  2nd February 2007

Brum’s taxi drivers step on the gas to give ‘smoke free’ an early start

Birmingham taxi drivers have moved into the fast lane to make their cabs smoke-free zones.

As of July 1, 2007, all taxis must comply with the Health Act 2006 that outlaws smoking in work places, public places and 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 March 1 onwards – four months ahead of schedule.

The move has been supported by the Smoke-Free Birmingham Campaign and programme 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 this promotional 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, which is understood to be the first in the country, has the full backing of the Birmingham and Solihull Taxi Association (BSTA).

Mike Shingler, BSTA 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.”

Mr Shingler, who has been a taxi driver for 25 years and a smoker for twice as long, feels the legislation is a real motivator to quit.

He added: “I don’t want to be caught out when the law comes into force so I’ve set March 1 as the date to kick my habit. The sooner I stop the better I’ll feel.”

The new Act stipulates that the vast majority of work vehicles will have to be smoke-free at all times and clearly labelled with no smoking signs.  This measure is to protect other workers using the vehicle from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

People affected by this law include: taxi, bus, coach, haulage and delivery drivers plus many others who drive as part of their job.

For additional information on the ban please visit www.smokefree.org.uk

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For further information please contact: Mandy Pritchard at LTA Communications on 01384 444044 / 07973 388698

Notes to editors

The Act and its regulations will ban smoking in enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces, including vehicles.

Vehicles that are only ever used by one person and that never carry passengers such as work colleagues will be exempt under the legislation.

The Smoke free Birmingham campaign is a partnership between the city council, local NHS trusts, business organisations and others, and has been established to help businesses to achieve a smoke-free workplace.