Scotrail driver who failed drugs test resigns

● Employee quits day before disciplinary hearing that would have decided his fate

By ALASTAIR DALTON Transport Correspondent

An industry source said: “He resigned the day before the disciplinary hearing.

“He wasn’t asked to go, but clearly he knew what the outcome of that was going to be and went before it wasn’t his decision.”

There had been surprise that Mr Kenny had been reemployed by Scotrail after failing a drugs test.

But there is also a belief among parts of the industry that people should be given a second chance.

However, the Scottish Con-

INDUSTRY SOURCE servatives said rail companies must share information about staff failing drug tests.

Transport spokesman Jamie Greene said: “The fact the driver was allowed to operate Scotrail and First Great Western trains, despite failing a drugs test in 2010, does raise some serious questions about Scotrail’s procedures.

“Rail operators should consider how they can improve sharing information on serious misconduct to prevent this happening in the future.

“There are very clear reasons these policies are in place.

“Driving a train carries huge responsibility, including the safety and wellbeing of passengers.

“Passengers will no doubt feel let down by this serious procedural failure.

“The responsibility now lies with the Scottish Government to take the necessary action to prevent similar issues occurring in the future.”

Scotrail said it did not comment on staff.

Kevin Lindsay, Scotland secretary for train drivers’ union Aslef, said: “We do not condone anyone reporting for duty under the influence of drugs.”

In the 10 October incident, the empty train which Mr Kenny was driving derailed as it passed a set of points connecting tracks. It closed the Dundee-aberdeen line for two days, causing major disruption to passengers.

British Transport Police said it had been caused by a points failure and no “criminality” had been found.

It said officers were not investigating the matter further.

The train is understood to have been travelling at less than the speed limit and did not pass a red signal.

“He wasn’t asked to go, but clearly he knew what the outcome of that was going to be and went before it wasn’t his decision”