A company has called for fleet operators to test for drink and drugs after a US bus company was forced to cease operations after it emerged it hired staff before the outcome of drug and alcohol tests were known.

Drink and drug testing specialists ScreenSafe say the news highlights the different approach to road safety between the UK and the USA. US law required the bus company, Boston-based Lucky Star, to monitor and ensure its drivers complied with drink and drug regulations.

Managing director of ScreenSafe, Matthew Taylor, said: “In the UK there are no regulations that require bus companies, road hauliers or even oil tanker truck carriers to carry out pre-employment or workplace drug tests.

“This is an anomaly in the UK, given that the rail industry does have drug and alcohol testing regulations, and that last year a new drug driving law was passed in recognition that drug driving is becoming as serious a road safety issue as drink driving.

“In the UK few transport sectors are regulated with mandatory drug testing. No firm can claim it doesn't have a drug misuse issue if they don’t conduct a properly managed test programme. Last year the BBC highlighted cases of truck drivers taking class A drugs, and we know from experience that addiction problems can hit any occupation, from vehicle operators to doctors."