Breath test driver is reinstated

The driver says he was not over the limit

A Tube driver who was sacked for failing to take a breath test has been reinstated, BBC London has learned.

Tim Miles, a union branch secretary, was told to wait for a London Underground (LU) testing team but he disappeared for five hours.

Although he later tested negative, he had still broken the company's rules.

He was sacked, but after two appeals he has been reinstated to office duties, with the option to re-apply to be a train driver.

Mr Miles, who was due to come on duty in a few hours, was seen apparently stumbling as he walked to his bicycle at Wembley Park station, north London in the summer.

As he rode off he seemed to have trouble keeping his balance.

They [drivers] feel that because of the man's powerful union connections he has escaped proper punishment BBC London's transport correspondent Andrew Winstanley

He was spotted by a LU manager, who sent a warning to the man's depot because he suspected he had been drinking.

That message was not passed on immediately and Mr Miles took a train out.

But as he approached Baker Street station he was ordered out of his cab and called to the manager's office to wait for a drugs and alcohol test.

As he waited, Mr Miles said he was going for a cigarette but then disappeared and the police were called.

He turned up five hours later and then passed the test but did not reveal if he was over the limit earlier.

However, LU said he had broken company rules and was sacked.

Union connections

After two appeals - including one direct to the company board - he was reinstated.

Mr Miles has now been put on office duties for two years, after which he can apply to re-qualify as a driver.

He still maintains he was not over the alcohol limit and that his only mistake was a lack of judgement.

BBC London's transport correspondent Andrew Winstanley said: "Fellow drivers on the Metropolitan Line got in touch with us to protest about what's gone on.

"They feel that because of the man's powerful union connections he has escaped proper punishment."

In a statement, LU said: "We do not discuss personal details in individual cases.

"However, LU has well-established disciplinary procedures and we always strive to act fairly towards all employees."