Comment | Read Comments (3)

A VITAL transport scheme in west Wiltshire says it is worried about the impact spiralling petrol prices could have on its volunteer drivers.

Westbury and District Link Scheme, which provides drivers to take the disadvantaged to medical appointments, shopping visits or to see old friends, says its volunteers are being financially squeezed..

January was the busiest month in the scheme's 10-year history with its team of 20 drivers travelling 3,400 miles proving there is a real demand for the service.

But volunteer drivers are now out of pocket as petrol prices rise and the government's Approved Mileage Allowance Payments remains at 40p, which was set back in 2002 when petrol was under £1 a litre.

Phillip Jefferson, chairman of Westbury and District Link, said: "I think there's a national campaign to raise the rate of 40p per mile, which is the maximum we are allowed to give.

"The diesel that I buy has increased by 18p a litre since the start of the year.

"I cannot say we are losing volunteers because people do it for more than money. They do it because they want to do their bit in the community and 40p per mile is still reasonably generous.

"But we are beginning to worry as we don't want to lose volunteers if they can't afford to pay their bills, but we also don't want to put pressure on our clients who often live on fixed incomes or pensions. This is a wake up call that there may be problems ahead."

Mike Parker, 64, and his wife Liz, 65, have been volunteers with the scheme since September.

Mr Parker said: "I was buying diesel for under £1 back in September and I'm now paying £1.22 so it's obviously more expensive.

"The mileage payment that we get covers the cost of fuel and makes a contribution to the running of the car. I think the mileage was quite generous when it was set but obviously it's less generous now, but I'm not at the stage where I'm having to say I can't do this anymore.

"But in a way it's not an issue for me because I think this will be my last car and I don't think I'm going to sell it. I can understand that it will be more of an issue for others who need to sell their cars in the near future, as they don't want the cost of their car to depreciate.

"I know if I was an employee of a company I would be banging on the door asking for the mileage payment to be put up because it's not worth what it used to be. But I'm a volunteer and I just want to see the people who need help get help."

4:25pm Monday 19th May 2008

Print

Email this

Comment