Table of Contents
1. POLICY STATEMENT
333 CARS LTD is committed to providing a safe, professional, and reliable private hire service. The safety of passengers, drivers, employees, and members of the public is our highest priority.
The misuse of alcohol, illegal drugs, controlled substances, or the improper use of prescription medication can impair judgement, reaction times, concentration, and driving ability. Such impairment presents a significant risk to public safety and is incompatible with the responsibilities of a licensed private hire driver.
333 CARS LTD operates a zero-tolerance approach to driving or working whilst impaired by alcohol or drugs.
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Promote the safety of passengers, drivers, staff, and the public.
- Ensure compliance with relevant licensing requirements and road traffic legislation.
- Prevent alcohol and drug misuse in the workplace.
- Protect the reputation of 333 CARS LTD.
- Provide clear procedures for reporting and managing concerns.
3. SCOPE
This policy applies to:
- All private hire drivers operating under 333 CARS LTD.
- Employees, contractors, and agency workers.
- Any individual representing the Company while undertaking Company business.
Compliance with this policy is a condition of association with 333 CARS LTD.
4. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES
All drivers must:
- Report for duty fit and able to perform their duties safely.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol whilst working or whilst available for bookings.
- Not use, possess, distribute, or be under the influence of illegal drugs whilst working.
- Inform the Company if prescribed medication may affect their ability to drive safely.
- Comply with all licensing authority requirements regarding medical fitness.
Drivers are personally responsible for ensuring they remain legally fit to drive.
5. ALCOHOL
Drivers must not:
- Consume alcohol whilst on duty.
- Consume alcohol whilst logged into Company systems and available for bookings.
- Report for work whilst under the influence of alcohol.
- Have alcohol in their system at a level that may impair driving ability.
Any driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol may be immediately suspended from receiving bookings pending investigation.
6. ILLEGAL DRUGS
The possession, use, supply, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited.
Drivers must not:
- Use illegal drugs at any time whilst working.
- Attend work under the influence of illegal drugs.
- Possess illegal substances whilst undertaking Company duties.
Any breach may result in immediate suspension, termination of association, and referral to the relevant authorities.
7. PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION
Certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines may affect a driver’s ability to drive safely.
Drivers must:
- Read medication instructions carefully.
- Follow medical advice.
- Inform the Company where medication may impair driving performance.
- Seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist if uncertain.
Drivers must not undertake bookings if medication affects alertness, concentration, judgement, coordination, or reaction times.
8. FITNESS FOR DUTY
Drivers must be physically and mentally fit before commencing work.
A driver shall be considered unfit for duty where there is reasonable evidence that alcohol, drugs, medication, fatigue, illness, or any other condition may impair safe driving.
The Company reserves the right to remove drivers from duty where concerns arise regarding fitness to drive.
9. REPORTING CONCERNS
Drivers must immediately report:
- Any arrest, charge, caution, or conviction relating to drugs or alcohol.
- Any medical condition affecting fitness to drive.
- Any prescribed medication that may impair driving.
- Any concerns regarding another driver operating whilst impaired.
Reports will be treated confidentially where possible.
10. TESTING
Where permitted by law and applicable licensing requirements, 333 CARS LTD may require a driver to undergo alcohol or drug testing where:
- There is reasonable suspicion of impairment.
- Following a road traffic collision.
- Following a serious complaint.
- Required by a licensing authority, police force, insurer, or regulatory body.
Refusal to cooperate with a lawful testing request may be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.
11. DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Any breach of this policy may result in:
- Immediate suspension from the dispatch system.
- Formal investigation.
- Termination of association with the Company.
- Referral to the relevant licensing authority.
- Notification to insurers.
- Reporting to the police where appropriate.
The severity of action will depend upon the circumstances and level of risk involved.
12. SUPPORT FOR DRIVERS
333 CARS LTD recognises that alcohol and drug dependency can be a health issue.
Drivers who voluntarily seek help before any safety incident occurs are encouraged to discuss the matter confidentially with management.
Requests for support will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account public safety and licensing obligations.
Nothing in this section prevents the Company from taking appropriate action where safety is compromised.
13. SERIOUS MISCONDUCT
The following are regarded as gross misconduct:
- Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.
- Driving whilst under the influence of illegal drugs.
- Refusing a lawful alcohol or drug test.
- Possessing or supplying illegal drugs whilst working.
- Failing to disclose relevant convictions relating to drugs or alcohol.
- Endangering passengers or the public due to impairment.
Gross misconduct may result in immediate removal from the Company without notice.
14. REVIEW OF POLICY
This policy shall be reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with current legislation, licensing requirements, and best practice.
333 CARS LTD reserves the right to amend this policy at any time.