Stockton Council ramps up taxi driver drug screening after positive cannabis result
- Perry Richardson
- Oct 4
- 1 min read
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has confirmed that taxi and private hire drivers are being routinely drug tested as part of efforts to ensure passenger safety, following a recent positive result for cannabis.
A report presented to the General Licensing Committee on 23 April 2025 showed that 43 licensed drivers had been screened during the latest round of checks.
One test returned a positive laboratory result containing THC, the active compound in cannabis. The driver’s renewal application was refused under delegated powers.
The committee heard that alongside drug screening, enforcement activity had led to several licence revocations. These included cases where drivers failed to provide mandatory documents, did not meet DVLA medical standards, or were subject to police disclosures.
Councillors backed the continued use of drug testing, noting that it not only identifies risks but also reassures the public that licensed drivers are held to high safety standards.
Officers reminded members that holding a taxi or private hire licence is a privilege, not a right, and that only those deemed fit and proper will be allowed to carry passengers.
