Hastings cabbies have been told they could lose their licences if caught smoking in their cars - even when they do not have a passenger.

The town's borough council has become the first in England to introduce a law banning cabbies from lighting up.

If they are caught smoking, they will be given four points on their Hackney licence and if they clock up 12 points the licence will be taken away.

Officials at the Labour-held council today said the legislation would create a healthier environment for passengers, who are already barred from smoking in cabs.

Its enforcement follows lengthy talks with cabbies throughout Hastings and St Leonards, where there are 420 drivers.

A council spokesman said: "This legislation will give drivers a stronger edge in enforcing no smoking in their vehicles.

"If passengers see that drivers themselves are banned from smoking then we believe they will think twice about lighting up themselves."

Councillor Godfrey Daniel, chairman of the licensing board, said: "We're trying to ensure the taxi and private hire trade do their bit to contribute to a healthier environment."

However, some cabbies criticised the new law. They believe their human rights are being infringed by too much legislation.

One driver said they are banned from tooting their horns at all times, using mobile phones and wearing shorts in case female passengers become offended.

He said: "I'm a smoker and I don't think we should have this. That's the general view among cabbies in Hastings who think it will just create tension.

"The council will ban you from smoking in your own home next."

Another driver said: "There's going to be some rebellion over this. I could understand banning drivers from smoking when a passenger is in the vehicle but not when you're just sitting around."