Next time you use your vape in a taxi in Frome, you could be breaking the law.

Mendip District Council has approved a ban on vaping, electronic cigarettes and other such devices in its taxis, following a vote by its licensing board on Wednesday evening (February 12).

The change means that neither drivers nor passengers can use e-cigarettes in any taxi, Hackney carriage or private hire vehicle which is licensed by the council.

The authority believes the policy will "improve public safety and protect our communities".

Jack Godley, the council's senior licensing officer, said the existing ban on smoking in vehicles would be extended to include any "alternative devices" – including electronic cigarettes and vape pens, regardless of whether or not they include nicotine.

He said in his written report: "This policy provides consistency in decision making and transparency in how we carry out our responsibilities."

In a survey of taxi drivers carried out by the council in late-2019, 85 per cent of drivers were in favour of vaping or use of e-cigarettes being "banned at all times in licensed vehicles."

The council has said it will take swift action against any party caught violating this new ban.

A spokeswoman said: "Fixed penalty notices will be issued to taxi drivers licensed by Mendip reportedly found smoking or vaping. We will prosecute following smoking or vaping reports.

"Last month a taxi driver licensed by this council pleaded guilty to an offence of smoking in a smoke-free place, under Section 7(2) of the Health Act 2006. The licensed driver was seen smoking whilst driving a taxi.

"They were ordered to pay a more than £350 after failing to pay a £50 fixed penalty notice."