Liverpool topped the charts when it came to cracking down on taxi drivers lighting up in their vehicles
It has been illegal to smoke in a ‘smoke-free’ place since the Health Act came into force in 2006(Image: Clive Gee/PA Wire)
Liverpool issued more fines to taxi drivers flouting anti-smoking laws than anywhere else in the country, recent figures have found. New data shows that Liverpool City Council issued 103 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) to taxi drivers lighting up in their vehicles – the highest number recorded across UK councils.
It has been illegal to smoke in a “smoke-free” place since the Health Act came into force in 2006. This includes the inside of taxis, even when no passengers are present, and when the driver is not working and using the vehicle in a personal capacity.
Freedom of Information requests submitted by tobacco-free alternative company Alternix to all 379 councils in UK revealed that Liverpool topped the charts when it came to cracking down on drivers breaking the rules. Between April 6, 2024 and April 5, 2025, the council issued 103 FPNs.
Of these, 77 were paid within 15 days at a reduced rate of £30, and 16 were paid within 29 days at a cost of £50. Six people were summoned to court for non-payment.
This was significantly more than the second-highest local authority on the list. North Somerset Council issued a total of 66 FPNs to taxi drivers smoking in their vehicles in the past year.
This was followed by Birmingham City Council at 48, Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council at 39, and Mid Ulster District Council in Northern Ireland at 32. Knowsley Council issued just seven FPNs in the past year, all of which were paid within 15 days.
Cllr Harry Doyle, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture at Liverpool City Council, said: “The health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors is a top priority.
“Smoking in taxis and other smoke-free spaces is against the law, and I’m glad to see that our licensing team is working hard to make sure those rules are respected.
“Second‑hand smoke isn’t just unpleasant, it’s dangerous. It can contribute to serious health problems, including lung cancer, and enforcement is about protecting passengers from those risks.
“This work is a further indication of our commitment to our ambitions to make Liverpool completely smoke-free, as outlined in the Tobacco Control Strategy. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and illness in Liverpool and smoke-free policies offer additional support for people who quit.
“We will keep taking action to ensure our city remains a safe and healthy place for everyone.”
Councils can set their own FPN fines for smoking in a licensed vehicle, but it must fall within the limits of set legislation. Most local authorities issue £50 fines, reduced to £30 if paid within 15 days.
David Philips at Alternix said: “Second-hand smoke is a known killer, contributing to people developing lung cancer. It is encouraging to see that councils are taking action to enforce the law and ensure that members of the public can enjoy a smoke-free journey.”
“Some smokers may find it difficult to quit and effectively manage their withdrawal symptoms. For drivers who are struggling to quit smoking, nicotine pouches can provide a discreet smoke-free method of nicotine delivery, to ensure that you remain compliant with the law.”