§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if drivers of Unimog machines, being used for the construction of the Paddington-Heathrow rail link, comply with the safety standards set by the Railtrack railway group standard. [30230]
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what safeguards are in place to ensure that staff driving Unimog machines, not appearing on the BR tops forms, do not book on for work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. [30231]
§ Mr. WattsIt is a criminal offence to work on the railways in a safety related capacity when unfit through drink or drugs, or to exceed the prescribed alcohol limit. Railway operators and employers other than the operator may also be liable if they have not exercised all due diligence to prevent the offence. Enforcement is a matter for the British Transport police. In addition, railway operators have their own strict policy on alcohol and drug abuse, including disciplinary action.
Unimog drivers are supervised by a member of British Rail's staff and are required to work to BR's instructions for all movements on track.