Edinburgh Council Audit Raises Concerns Over Lorry Drivers and Substance Use

An internal review by Edinburgh City Council has identified “strong concerns” regarding the potential for its employees to operate lorries while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This internal audit, focusing on Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) safety, was commissioned following the death of 11-year-old Thomas Wong in February, who was struck by a bin lorry not affiliated with the council in Barnton. The resulting report has put forward a recommendation for alcohol and drug testing for drivers, prompted by managers’ statements that they were unable to take action based solely on “suspected behaviours.” Prior proposals for substance testing, which lack the support of trade unions, were dismissed by city councillors last year, who deemed them “invasive and unnecessary.” Currently, managers within the City of Edinburgh Council’s fleet and operational services are instructed to observe and document any suspected use of alcohol or drugs. These managers are mandated to send colleagues home or engage Human Resources or the police if they “reasonably believe” a staff member is under the influence. However, the report indicated: “Audit discussions with the council’s fleet and operational services highlighted strong concerns around the potential use of alcohol or drugs while driving for the council.” It further noted: “Managers expressed reservations to allege colleagues for alcohol/drugs consumption at work, based only on suspected behaviours, and they are unable to take concrete actions where the concerned colleagues deny the consumption.” The council’s existing drugs and alcohol policy was approved in May last year. An amendment proposed by the Greens, and backed by Labour, SNP, and Lib Dems councillors, concluded that substance testing was unnecessary. Nevertheless, Iain Whyte, leader of the council’s Conservative group, stated that any HGV accident caused by an impaired driver would be “catastrophic.” He commented: “The audit shows that this policy needs to be changed as soon as possible.” He added: “People who drive on council business should be checked to ensure they are safe, not just for their benefit but critically to protect the public.” The audit was initiated following the death of Thomas Wong, who was hit by a bin lorry on Whitehouse Road while cycling. His family expressed that they were “utterly heartbroken.” Thomas’s death marked the second child fatality involving a bin lorry within a week, after 11-year-old Elizabeth Bell died in the Scottish Borders. There is no evidence suggesting that these fatalities were caused by a driver being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Edinburgh council leader Cammy Day stated that councillors “need to act” if proof emerged of anyone being under the influence while working. He did, however, question whether “other ways to respond” might exist, instead of implementing random drug and alcohol testing. Councillor Day proposed that this could involve more rigorous enforcement of current policies concerning staff absences and workplace management. He further commented: “There should be an option to look at all these things to make sure that our staff are safe and that if they’re driving council vehicles we are confident in ensuring the public are safe as well.” Reporting was provided by local democracy journalist Donald Turvill. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information on their approach to external linking is available.