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Posted on the 16th April 2026 in PHTM News

TAXI DRIVER HIT WITH £458 FINE FOR SMOKING IN LICENSED VEHICLE

A Sefton private hire driver has been ordered to pay nearly £500 after being caught smoking inside their taxi.

The driver was originally issued a Fixed Penalty Notice for the act, which officials described as "both illegal and unhygienic."

The legal trouble deepened when the driver refused to pay the initial fine or speak with enforcement officers regarding the incident.

Because the driver failed to engage with authorities, the case was moved to court for a formal hearing.

A magistrate recently issued a final judgment on the matter, resulting in a total penalty of £458.

The case serves as a stern reminder to all licensed drivers that smoking inside a professional vehicle is a criminal offense that carries significant financial consequences if ignored.

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