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Posted on the 11th February 2025 in PHTM News
NORTH AYRSHIRE TAXI DRIVER REPRIMANDED FOR VAPING IN CAB ON HIS DAY OFF
A North Ayrshire taxi driver has received a formal warning after being caught vaping in his vehicle while off-duty.
David McComb was observed by a licensing officer vaping in his blue Skoda on Canal Street, Saltcoats, on 23 December.
Licensing officer, Drew Robertson, detailed the incident. “On December 23, Mr. McComb was observed by myself driving his blue Skoda south west in Canal Street, Stevenston within a built-up area.
"At this time Mr. McComb was alone in the vehicle with the driver’s window half down,” Robertson stated. “He was observed holding a cigarette or vaping device in his right hand and blowing smoke out of the window.”
McComb, who was later located at the Stevenston Cross taxi rank, initially struggled to recall if he had been vaping. He then showed officers his vaping device, which he wore on a lanyard.
“He said he was not working at the time and on this occasion, he was out collecting weekend takings from previous hires,” Mr Robertson said.
“Mr McComb added it was his normal practice to vape within the vehicle and he used flavoured oils as he believed the smell did not offend his customers.
"He was unaware the conditions related to smoking were in force regardless of whether or not the vehicle was being used as a taxi.”
Mr McComb, who has held a licence since 2009 with no prior complaints, defended his actions, saying: “I was smoking in a taxi with the vape but it was my day off and I was not actually working, I was only out doing personal things and getting new tyres for the car. I was out to get takings from my other drivers. I was not there to work and had no money bag.”
Despite his explanation, the licensing committee reminded him of the rules. Chair Eleanor Collier stressed that taxi drivers are prohibited from smoking in their vehicles, regardless of whether they are on or off duty.
Councillor Christina Larsen stated: “You have been a taxi driver for 16 years but you are not supposed to smoke or vape in the taxi whether you are on or off hire. It would be good for you to refresh yourself on the licensing conditions.”
Councillor Jean McClung added: “Vapes make me feel sick so you now know you cannot smoke in that vehicle, for the safety of your passengers.”
While Councillor Matthew McLean proposed a verbal warning, arguing McComb was not working at the time, the committee ultimately voted five to two in favour of issuing a formal written warning, as proposed by Councillor Larsen and seconded by Councillor Donald L Reid.
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