Liverpool has been named the UK’s worst area for drivers or passengers smoking in taxis and private hire vehicles, according to newly released data obtained through a Freedom of Information request by tobacco alternative firm Alternix.
Between 6 April 2024 and 5 April 2025, Liverpool City Council issued 103 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) – the highest number across all councils in the UK – for smoking-related offences inside licensed vehicles. The next closest was North Somerset Council with 66 fines, followed by Birmingham City Council with 48.
Here’s the full breakdown of the top ten councils by number of fines issued:
- Liverpool City Council – 103 fines
- North Somerset Council – 66
- Birmingham City Council – 48
- Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council – 39
- Mid Ulster District Council – 32
- Bradford City Council – 18
- North Tyneside Council – 14
- Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council – 13
- Hart District Council – 11
- Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council – 7
Under the Health Act 2006, it is illegal for anyone to smoke or vape in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle, whether they are the driver or a passenger. The offence carries a £30 fine if paid within 15 days, rising to £50 if paid within 29 days.
Joanne Lee, head of public protection at North Tyneside Council, stressed the importance of the regulation:
“The rules are there to protect public health and ensure that vehicles remain clean and safe for everyone. We take our enforcement responsibilities seriously and use all options available to us to protect children and non-smokers from the harms of second-hand smoke.”
The NHS warns that second-hand smoke is a major health risk, contributing to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. It’s particularly harmful to children and babies, being linked to asthma, premature births, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
With Liverpool’s high number of penalties, the data suggests the city may need stronger deterrents or awareness campaigns to tackle the issue in its taxi and private hire sector.
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