A NELSON man has become the third taxi driver this year to be fined for smoking in his booking office.

The move is part of a crackdown on people smoking in public places, like their workplace, by Pendle Council.

Mohammed Ishaq, 54, of Vernon Street, Nelson, was issued with the £50 fixed penalty notice at the office of Crown, or Green Line Taxis, in Colne, on May 14.

It was the second time in a matter of days he had been seen smoking in the office.

A Pendle Council officer saw Mr Ishaq smoking in the taxi office in Market Place, Colne on Friday, May 11.

He spoke to Mr Ishaq who admitted that he knew he was committing an offence.

The officer returned on the Monday and saw Mr Ishaq smoking again.

Coun John David, executive member for environmental services, said: “Under the Health Act 2006 it is an offence to smoke in any public place, including places of work and work vehicles.

"Most people abide by this.

“Our environmental health officer has given warnings at various places of work when he’s witnessed people smoking where they shouldn’t.

“Anyone seen to be smoking in public places will be issued with a fixed penalty notice.”

This is the third fixed penalty notice Pendle Council has issued under smoke free legislation this year.

Zahoor Ahmed, of Fulham Street, Nelson, was fined after being seen smoking in the office of Victor’s Taxis, in Brierfield, in January, and Mohammed Seroz, of Keighley Road, Colne, was also fined in January after being seen smoking in the office of Escort Taxis, in Colne.

John Heys, environmental health officer, said: “We get a lot of complaints from local residents about taxi drivers smoking in their vehicles.

To report anyone you see smoking in a public building, workplace or work vehicle, you can call 01282 661568.