TAXI drivers in Worcester have been warned to get ready for the smoking ban which comes into force next month.

The city council has produced a publication called Taxi Times which aims to get taxi drivers on board about the impending cigarette ban.

When Worcester and the rest of England becomes smoke free on Sunday, July 1, all workplaces and vehicles used for public transport have to be smoke-free.

The Guildhall has confirmed all cab drivers will have to display no smoking signs inside their vehicles with the international red no smoking symbol.

The Taxi Times newsletter, which has been sent to 400 drivers in Worcester, states signs can be obtained for free from the Department of Health.

Any taxi driver who uses an office for members of the public to wait in must put an A5 sign on the wall warning customers not to smoke.

The city council believes a firm stance on expectations for the taxi industry in Worcester will go a long way towards easing any problems.

Coun Allah Ditta, cabinet member for the environment, said: "It goes without saying that a smoking ban will help the environment in Worcester. I'm always concerned about the effect is has on public spaces, and at the city council we've been rehearsing the ban well in advance and advertising it as much as possible to ensure there is no comeback from it.

"Large numbers of people in the taxi drivers trade already tell people not to smoke anyway, and many taxi drivers don't smoke, so it's only a few, and this will help get the message across."

Anne Murphy, secretary of Worcester Taxi Drivers Association, said: "We all know about the upcoming smoking ban.

"Most drivers would not permit passengers to smoke anyway because they want to maintain the condition of the vehicle, and most of them don't smoke themselves."