City of York Council is reminding drivers of hackney and private hire vehicles of their responsibilities under the recently-introduced Smokefree legislation.

Spot checks carried out by the council's Smokefree enforcement officers recently revealed that 13 of the 41 vehicles that were stopped did not have 'no smoking' signage or had incorrect signs. One driver was caught smoking inside his vehicle and has since received a written warning.

Dawn Clarkson, the council's senior Smokefree enforcement officer, said: "All hackney and private hire vehicle owners and drivers have been issued with detailed information about their responsibilities in relation to the new legislation, so it was a little bit disappointing to come across so many breaches.

"We are writing to all drivers and owners again to remind them of their responsibilities. Signage has been made available free of charge from the Smokefree England website, taxi licensing and at vehicle inspections."

Smokefree legislation requires smoke free vehicles to display a 'no smoking' sign in each compartment of the vehicle. This must show the international no smoking symbol, which must be at least 70mm in diameter. Smokefree vehicles are required to be smoke free at all times.

The council's Smokefree enforcement team will also be reminding bus operators and other transport providers of their responsibilities under the new Smokefree legislation.