Driver arrested for being 'drunk in charge of a train'

[PermitToTravel]

Thanks for clarification, my post was based on a close friends experience. He failed road side breathalyser at around 11pm, and there was no suitable person at the police station to carry out the evidential test. He was told the breathalyser test was not permitted for evidence. His evidential test was carried out at 5am by which time he was under the limit, as they'd left him in a cell for 6 hours, and he pretty much slept it off! He was not charged due to this.

How unfortunate.

 

[455driver]

How unfortunate.

I agree.

Vey poor show from the Police, almost a guaranteed conviction there.

 

[richw]

I agree.

Vey poor show from the Police, almost a guaranteed conviction there.

Agree, he deserves it as well, regularly drives under influence. As friends we try and do whatever it takes to get his car keys off him when he's out drinking. Normally he goes for a McDonald's or similar,

 

[PermitToTravel]

Agree, he deserves it as well, regularly drives under influence. As friends we try and do whatever it takes to get his car keys off him when he's out drinking. Normally he goes for a McDonald's or similar,

If ever you can't stop him from doing so, please immediately call 999, lest you find out that he's killed himself and an innocent family to boot.

 

[richw]

If ever you can't stop him from doing so, please immediately call 999, lest you find out that he's killed himself and an innocent family to boot.

I would have no hesitation!

 

[PermitToTravel]

Glad to hear that! :)

 

[carriageline]

I wouldn't even be friends with people who did that, to be completely honest, but that's another matter huh

 

[LowLevel]

For me it depends on what I'm doing. If I'm on at 1600 or so the next day, I don't mind have a couple of pints the night before because I only drink average strength ale and it's going to be well away by then.

If I'm on earlies, anywhere up to midday or so I don't drink as I find it hard enough to get up or be alert in the mornings as it is without adding alcohol to the mix. I'm a guard rather than a driver but the theory is the same.

 

[Antman]

Thanks for clarification, my post was based on a close friends experience. He failed road side breathalyser at around 11pm, and there was no suitable person at the police station to carry out the evidential test. He was told the breathalyser test was not permitted for evidence. His evidential test was carried out at 5am by which time he was under the limit, as they'd left him in a cell for 6 hours, and he pretty much slept it off! He was not charged due to this.

It would be impossible to charged somebody in that situation. The roadside breath test is nothing more than a guide. People sometimes blow positive at the roadside but negative on the far more accurate evidential equipment at the police station. It is unsatisfactory that the police were unable to conduct the evidential test immediatly but six hours later there would be no way of knowing whether he was over the limit or not.

I assume much the same legal limit would apply to train drivers? I know people say there should be a zero alchohol limit but that is just not possible

 

[swt_passenger]

I assume much the same legal limit would apply to train drivers?

No, their rules are much more stringent, and were discussed at some length on page 1 of this thread...

 

[Clip]

Indeed. Must say I havent seen an update in the paper about this so no idea what happened to the driver.

 

[richw]

Indeed. Must say I havent seen an update in the paper about this so no idea what happened to the driver.

And here is said article published almost bang on 24hrs after your post., sorry I can't paste it over on this device as full text.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ering-passengers-drove-train-intoxicated.html

 

[Clip]

Aye read that in the paper this morning. Though they were claiming he had downed a bottle of Vodka before he went on shift which I seriously doubt as he wouldnt have been able to book on as someone wouldve noticed.

 

[richw]

Aye read that in the paper this morning. Though they were claiming he had downed a bottle of Vodka before he went on shift which I seriously doubt as he wouldnt have been able to book on as someone wouldve noticed.

A bottle of vodka would take you more than 3 times the drink drive limit i would have thought as well?

 

[Clip]

It would probably make me pass out in a skip or something

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Aye read that in the paper this morning. Though they were claiming he had downed a bottle of Vodka before he went on shift which I seriously doubt as he wouldnt have been able to book on as someone wouldve noticed.

You'd be surprised how well some people can hide it.

 

[A-driver]

He may well have downed a bottle of vodka before signing on...dosnt mean he necked it in one go 5 mins before signing in though...could have finished it over a couple of days and the statement would still be accurate...

 

[Deerfold]

Aye read that in the paper this morning. Though they were claiming he had downed a bottle of Vodka before he went on shift which I seriously doubt as he wouldnt have been able to book on as someone wouldve noticed.

Where was that claimed?

 

[Clip]

He may well have downed a bottle of vodka before signing on...dosnt mean he necked it in one go 5 mins before signing in though...could have finished it over a couple of days and the statement would still be accurate...

Yes very true but the inference to anyone else who was reading it and my post would have been that he did it directly before his shift that day.


@Deerfold - in the sun.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

The Daily Telegraph has printed that he was drinking from the bottle in the cab and that he missed one stop ( presumably simply failing to do the doors as the line is on ATO ) as well as refusing to stop the train when instructed to do so.

 

[Martin nx]

As a driver for National Express I take up to 4 breath tests every shift! We have an alcholock device fitted to every coach and when you turn the ignition on you have to blow into the tube which you attach to the device and it tests you! The vehicle will not start until a pass is registered on the machine. The testers are set very low and only a small amount trace of alcohol will shut the coach down and automatically send a text message to Birmingham telling them where and when an alcolock failure has happened. Surely a similar device could be fitted in a railway application so when you put your key in unless a pass is recorded the train will not take power?

 

[PermitToTravel]

It sounds quite expensive for not all that much gain. I wonder if it's a condition of NX's insurance policy?

 

[A-driver]

As a driver for National Express I take up to 4 breath tests every shift! We have an alcholock device fitted to every coach and when you turn the ignition on you have to blow into the tube which you attach to the device and it tests you! The vehicle will not start until a pass is registered on the machine. The testers are set very low and only a small amount trace of alcohol will shut the coach down and automatically send a text message to Birmingham telling them where and when an alcolock failure has happened. Surely a similar device could be fitted in a railway application so when you put your key in unless a pass is recorded the train will not take power?

There are random tests in operation for train drivers and what you describe has been suggested but it's simply a case of not being needed. It is so rare to hear of a train driver failing a drink or drugs test, I'm not saying that it never ever happens but when you are on 45-55k for a 4 day week, overtime on tap etc why would you be stupid enough to attempt to book on drunk? At the very least phone in sick, no questions asked...

I think what you suggest is just too expensive compared to any need for it.

 

[talltim]

It would probably make me pass out in a skip or something

You drive 67s?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Thanks for clarification, my post was based on a close friends experience. He failed road side breathalyser at around 11pm, and there was no suitable person at the police station to carry out the evidential test. He was told the breathalyser test was not permitted for evidence. His evidential test was carried out at 5am by which time he was under the limit, as they'd left him in a cell for 6 hours, and he pretty much slept it off! He was not charged due to this.

Years ago a friend of mine was t-boned at a junction. The other driver claimed that he was really shaken up and went straight into a pub and downed two vodkas before the police arrived to breath test him..

 

[Clip]

There are random tests in operation for train drivers and what you describe has been suggested but it's simply a case of not being needed. It is so rare to hear of a train driver failing a drink or drugs test, I'm not saying that it never ever happens but when you are on 45-55k for a 4 day week, overtime on tap etc why would you be stupid enough to attempt to book on drunk? At the very least phone in sick, no questions asked...
I think what you suggest is just too expensive compared to any need for it.

I agree with this - and with the bit Ive boldened. Why bother risking your job like that. If people have problems then it is always best to get help from your employer - we positivly encourage it! Its far easier to go sick than it is to try and keep your job cos your still ****ed.

 

[142094]

Refusing to take a for cause/alcohol tests is normally enough grounds for dismissal under gross misconduct for a few companies I know. Plus no union would back anyone who did refuse a pee test.

 

[carriageline]

If you refuse to go, then it's treated as if you tested positive!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[PermitToTravel]

I think failure to provide is a criminal offence on the railways too

 

[richw]

As a driver for National Express I take up to 4 breath tests every shift! We have an alcholock device fitted to every coach and when you turn the ignition on you have to blow into the tube which you attach to the device and it tests you! The vehicle will not start until a pass is registered on the machine. The testers are set very low and only a small amount trace of alcohol will shut the coach down and automatically send a text message to Birmingham telling them where and when an alcolock failure has happened. Surely a similar device could be fitted in a railway application so when you put your key in unless a pass is recorded the train will not take power?

It sounds quite expensive for not all that much gain. I wonder if it's a condition of NX's insurance policy?

NX fitted them after one of their drivers rolled a coach whilst over the limit a few years back.

http://www.alcoholbreathalysers.co.uk/2008_news_coach_driver_jailed_for_drunk_driving_accident.asp

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8508701.stm

 

[Clip]

Refusing to take a for cause/alcohol tests is normally enough grounds for dismissal under gross misconduct for a few companies I know. Plus no union would back anyone who did refuse a pee test.

If you refuse to go, then it's treated as if you tested positive!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think failure to provide is a criminal offence on the railways too

AFAIK yes to all, fail to provide then youre out

But what me an A-driver are saying is tha if you think or are still drunk then pull a sickie.

Youll know whatr I work as and once or twice Ive told some good lads to go home before theyve booked on. Not right in the scheme of things but good lads who shouldve known better. They have learned the hard way that the railway doesnt **** around when it comes to drinking anymore.