Published: Wednesday, 16th September, 2009 3:11pm

TAXI DRIVERS TARGETED FOR SMOKING IN THE WORKPLACE

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COMMUNITY wardens raided taxi ranks in Barrhead last week and issued five £50 fixed penalty notices to drivers smoking in their taxis.

The push came after the council's licensing officer reminded taxi drivers of what the law says about smoking in a vehicle being used as a workplace.

Now wardens are targeting licensed premises in the town as part of a council-wide smoking crackdown while litterbugs and dog foulers are also in the wardens' sights.

And drivers of council vehicles are being warned that smoking in the cab will earn them a ticket, too, if wardens catch them flouting the law.

Community safety convener Councillor Mary Montague said: "Many people have forgotten that there is anti-smoking legislation in place and that our community wardens have powers to enforce the legislation.

"We will continue use those powers as well as issuing fines for fly-tipping, littering, dog fouling and noise nuisance where they take place.

"The best way to avoid a fine is not to commit the offence."

Meanwhile, time has been called on street drinkers with the introduction of a new East Renfrewshire by-law making it illegal to have an opened alcohol container in public.

The new by-law replaces an earlier one banning drinking in a public place.

Councillors voted for the change earlier this year and Scottish Ministers have now given it a final sign-off.

Police officers finding anyone with an open alcohol container in a public place can now issue offenders with a £40 fixed penalty fine.

Councillor Montague said: "This new by-law strengthens the hand of the police in dealing with street drinking as part of our drive against anti-social behaviour.

"Our strong advice is not to drink in public."

A spokesman for Barrhead police office added: "Over the next few weeks our community officers will be out in force tackling street drinking and other anti social problems in Barrhead.

"We would remind people that drinking alcohol in the street is a criminal offence and our officer will issue on the spot fines.

"We will also be targeting speeding drivers and increasing patrols in troubled areas of Barrhead and Neilston.

"I would also remind residents to report crimes by contacting Barrhead police office on 0141 532 6200."