Drug and alchohol policy - cut off limits for bus drivers.
Request ID: FOI-0747-2122 Date published: 05 August 2021
You asked
Is there a limit for codeine found legally in medication and taken entirely in accordance with the medication leaflet ? If so what is it ?
Is there a limit for morphine (a by product of legal medication due to metabolisation in the body) ? If so what is it ?
Are either of these levels ( if any) more or less stringent than legal guidance set by the government (note codeine has no official level) ?
Is there a TfL policy (or one by the bus operating companies) which effectively requires bus drivers to avoid legal medications taken in complete accordance with instructions even though the confirmatory test states ‘Results in compliance with declared medication’ ?
Is it TfL policy to dismiss bus drivers who responsibly take medication in accordance with GP and pharmacists advice and which confirmatory tests indicate that the levels are in accordance with declared medication?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-0747-2122
Thank you for your request received on 6 August 2021 asking for information about drug and alcohol policies for bus drivers.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we hold some of the information you require.
Please note that bus drivers are employed directly by the Bus Operators that run the bus services, they are not TfL employees. Any policies regarding drug and alcohol use amongst bus driver would be for the relevant Operator to implement and monitor.
You asked:
Is there a limit for codeine found legally in medication and taken entirely in accordance with the medication leaflet ? If so what is it ? Is there a limit for morphine (a by product of legal medication due to metabolisation in the body) ? If so what is it ? Are either of these levels ( if any) more or less stringent than legal guidance set by the government (note codeine has no official level) ?
There are no stated legal limits.
Is there a TfL policy (or one by the bus operating companies) which effectively requires bus drivers to avoid legal medications taken in complete accordance with instructions even though the confirmatory test states ‘Results in compliance with declared medication’ ?
TfL does not have a policy requiring drivers to avoid legal medications, drivers must not drive if impaired through medication or ill health. The DVLA sets the standard, information available at https://www.gov.uk/driving-medical-conditions.
Is it TfL policy to dismiss bus drivers who responsibly take medication in accordance with GP and pharmacists advice and which confirmatory tests indicate that the levels are in accordance with declared medication?
As stated above, bus drivers are employed directly by the Bus Operators that run the bus services, they are not TfL employees.
If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
