TAXI drivers face on-the-spot £200 fines if they fail to comply with the nationwide smoking ban.

TAXI drivers face on-the-spot £200 fines if they fail to comply with the nationwide smoking ban.

The fines will be introduced in September by East Dunbartonshire Council.

It says taxi drivers are the source of most complaints from the public because they are not displaying statutory no smoking' stickers in their vehicles.

Councillor John Dempsey, vice-convener of the development and environment committee, said: "With any new legislation there is a bedding-in period and we've been working with companies to help them comply rather than being heavy-handed with financial penalties.

"However, there are persistent offenders who are not displaying the correct signs and it is confusing for their customers.

"It's time to get them to comply with the regulations."

Until now the council's enforcement officers have been talking to taxi drivers, explaining the need for signs, telling them where to get the stickers and letting them off with a warning.

Over the next two weeks, the council will write to taxi firms to tell them that fixed penalties will be issued from September 1.