
Taxi passengers in Birmingham are still being exposed to second-hand smoke by drivers lighting up behind the wheel, with the city recording the second-highest number of fines in the UK so far in 2026.
Freedom of Information data compiled by nicotine pouch firm Alternix, revealed that Birmingham City Council handed out 28 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for smoking in licensed vehicles so far in 2026. However, this marks a 41.47 per cent fall from the 48 fines issued in the city during 2024/25.
Across the UK, a total of 415 penalty notices were dished out to taxi and private hire drivers caught smoking in their vehicles in 2024/25. In 2025/26, 14 councils recorded a 100 per cent drop in fines, while Oldham Council saw the sharpest rise in the country with a 150 per cent increase.
Liverpool City Council topped the table for the most fines so far in 2026 with 95 penalty notices - 67 ahead of second-placed Birmingham - despite seeing a 7.7 per cent decrease in 2025/26.
Mid Ulster District Council ranked third with 21 fines, followed by Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council with 12, and Hart District Council with 11.
Other councils featuring in the top ten included Folkestone & Hythe (7), Bradford (6), Oldham and East Ayrshire (joint eighth with 5 each), and Kirklees (4).
David Phillips, from Alternix, warned of the dangers facing passengers. “Second-hand smoke is a known killer,” he said.
“It is really encouraging to see many councils are reducing the number of FPNs being issued, due to work being done to reduce smoking and encourage other forms of nicotine. It's great that if smoking is caught, councils are taking action to enforce the law and ensure members of the public can enjoy a smoke-free journey.”

A report to Cabinet notes that current fares have been in place since December 2023 and drivers are facing growing financial pressure, including a 34% surge in petrol prices up to Sep 2026. 

Under the phased roll-out, any driver granted a new three-year licence or a renewal from that date must carry a working card reader, making Glasgow the first local authority in Scotland to mandate card facilities. 

The unnamed driver was given 15 minutes to put forward his case, which councillors rejected before voting unanimously to strip him of his licence in the interests of public safety.

Between July and September, 168 vehicles were tested in the area. The 19 failures caused the first-time pass rate to drop by nine per cent, falling from 98 per cent in March 2026 to 89 per cent. 

Darragh O’Grady, 31, was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on Tuesday 10 November. Alongside his prison sentence, he was banned from driving for five-and-a-half years

Drivers are demanding reinstatement of spaces following changes by Worcestershire County Council at Edith Walk, the Post Office, and Great Malvern station, where rank markings were painted over.

Arman Saddique, then four days short of his 19th birthday, sped away from police during a routine document check on Otley Road in February this year, triggering a dangerous early-hours pursuit on wet and snowy roads.

Reading BC had introduced measures requiring all newly licensed vehicles to be ULEV and under five years old, while mandating a Euro 6 emissions rating for all new vehicles from October 2028. 

Jordan McCulloch, 31, from Oxton, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated intentional harassment through words when he appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 10.

Aaron Keenan appeared before Fife Council’s Regulation and Licensing Committee after applying for the licence, where members weighed up his conduct before coming to a decision.

“This is why I strongly recommend that drivers install legal cameras in their vehicles."

Dutch taxi platform Robin is introducing an alternative to the traditional commission model in the taxi industry. 

DfT said engagement with the sector has helped shape ongoing policy and informed work on a draft Bill expected to be brought forward for pre-legislative scrutiny during current parliament.

The proposals drew 7 objections from members of the PH trade and a petition signed by 12 HC drivers after the council announced plans to raise renewal costs for both vehicles and drivers.

Jill Donison, 51, from Seaham, came up with the concept while working as a private hire driver and noticing how positively passengers reacted to having a woman behind the wheel.

The push for reform follows data revealing that the council received 89 complaints last year regarding drivers and vehicles licensed by other local authorities. 

The proposals would relax the rules for Category N vehicles, which have non-structural damage, and Category S, which have structural damage but can legally return to the road once repaired.

Leon Gladdis, 29, from Newport, was sentenced at the Isle of Wight Crown Court after admitting a series of dangerous offences across Devon and the Isle of Wight.

Councillors will meet on Wednesday 11 November to decide whether to introduce new licensing conditions requiring the city’s black cab drivers to carry working credit and debit card readers. 

A prominent taxi boss has warned drivers that a single mistake can destroy their livelihood after a major operator lost his licence. 
