Passenger safety is the top priority of not only taxi drivers, but also the taxi companies and ride apps that drive them, but in the case of this local council in the north of England, they are making their commitment in favoring the well-being of passengers who ride in the rear. seat of a cabin on another level.
East Suffolk Council, based in the county of East Anglian in the north of England, has proposed that drug tests should be imposed on all local taxi drivers to ensure passenger safety who get into their vehicles. The proposal from the council’s licensing committee follows a series of incidents in which private taxi drivers have been suspended and had their licenses revoked after being found under the influence of drugs while driving.
The new policy, if implemented, would ensure that only taxi drivers have a “fit and proper” level of awareness when driving passengers in their vehicles, while also allowing local authorities to quickly revoke licenses drivers who use illegal drugs.
Currently, Uber does not require its drivers to take a drug test before boarding. However, a drug test will be required if the driver is involved in an accident while driving for Uber.
It is illegal in the UK to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs vision while driving. If caught under the influence of drugs while driving, the driver can end up with a one-year driving ban, as well as the possibility of paying a fine. Drivers can also end up with a criminal record and even a potential sentence of 6 months in prison.
The penalty for causing death by dangerous driving under the influence of drugs is a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Passenger safety must always be of the utmost importance and driving under the influence of drugs can not only endanger the safety of the passenger and driver, but can also have serious consequences for other motorists on the road. A local council taking action to protect its community is a step in the right direction – perhaps other local authorities will take note?
