Next time you want a smoke, dont cab it
Traffic and city police to strictly enforce rule banning smoking in taxis ……….SANTOSH ANDHALE
Its been more than a month since the ban against smoking in public places was put in place, however taxis continue to be a safe place to steal a smoke. Not for long though. The traffic police now plans to prosecute taxi drivers who smoke while driving and the city police will take action against passengers caught smoking inside cabs.
Under the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules, 2008, smoking is prohibited in public transport. But the rules have not been enforced so far. Under the act, tobacco consumption was banned in all government and private buildings since October 2. However, roads and parks are not covered by this rule.
Public places have been defined as small cafes, restaurants, schools, pubs or discotheques, stadia, airports, hospitals and bus stands. Those caught smoking at these spots are to be fined Rs 200. Health minister A Ramadoss said the amount will be increased to Rs 1,000 in the future.
In the initial few days after the ban, most people avoided smoking in public places, fearing being caught by government officers or the police. However, the initial buzz has fizzled out.
Taxis constitute public transport hence the smoking ban applies to them as well.
According to the new rules that came into effect from October 2, Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules, 2008, we will fine cab drivers found smoking in the vehicle. But we are not fine to passengers.
However, the city police can do so, said Harish Baijjal, deputy commissioner of police (traffic). The traffic department is however, yet to compile statistics on taxi drivers and passengers who have been fined for smoking. A senior police official said, Private car owners can smoke cigarettes in their vehicles. If the driver of a private car wants to smoke, he can with the owners consent. There is no problem.
Traffic police plans to prosecute taxi drivers who smoke while driving and also passengers caught smoking inside the cab