Taxi Driver Online

Tuesday, 2nd February, 2010


Consideration was given to a report that informed Members of the progress made to date in respect of the introduction of a scheme for the drug testing of hackney carriage and private hire drivers.

The proposal to introduce random drug testing of hackney carriage and private hire drivers was introduced in the revised Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy which was approved by Cabinet on 5 March 2009 (Minute 158/08 referred).

Following this decision enquiries were made with another local authority who already carried out such testing and when it was decided to purchase the Councils own DDS (Drug Detection System) machine, which was an on-site oral fluid CE marked screening device, and to have Licensing Officers trained in the use of the equipment. The machine was available at the meeting for demonstration.

The screening machine would analyse a saliva sample for the following range of drugs and provides an instant result:-

• Cannabinoides
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• Ecstasy
• Amphetamines
• Benzodiazepines

The global drug testing services of Concateno plc had been used for the purchase of the drug testing equipment; the training of Licensing Officers and the laboratory analysis of samples when required.

Following consultation and meetings with the trade a drug testing procedure had been drafted a copy of which was attached to the report for Members information.

Whilst formal planned drug testing exercises had not yet been carried out, five drivers had however been tested. Of these, four proved negative and one positive for amphetamines. The positive driver was subjected to the second stage formal sample which was sent for laboratory analysis and this also proved positive for amphetamines. This driver had been suspended and was the subject of a separate report for consideration by Members.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Is that Stockton, California or Stockton Uk

Apart from that I think it's a good idea, train drivers and bus drivers have been getting tested for years

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Stockton on Tees......they dont call me skippy ffs

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

drug testing in stockton or anywhere on teeside is a good idea - however it should be introduced for "drivers" not just "taxi drivers"

i would anticipate the likelihood of testing positive is higher for someone driving a tarted up boy racer kart than a 10 year old taxi !

I wouldn't. In fact if I was a gambling kind I'd place bets against that suggestion

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

you been to teeside ever ???????????

Never tbh but it can't be any worse than here surely

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Yes and to Stockton......the local association are a decent bunch of lads TBH........the bad guys seem to be PH.

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin