McInnes campaigns for volunteer driver support

5.10.00pm GMT Mon 29th Sep 2008

North East Liberal Democrat MSP Alison McInnes has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament urging Ministers to work with the UK Government to support volunteer drivers.

At present, volunteer drivers only receive 40 pence a mile, which does not take account of the rocketing price of fuel. Mrs McInnes is calling for the rate to be increased to 50 pence a mile.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

"Community transport organisations in the north east are struggling to keep volunteer drivers as a result of increasing fuel costs. I want to see real action to support these volunteers, who help provide a lifeline service to many elderly and vulnerable people in the area.

"These drivers can only receive 40 pence per mile for driving, a figure that hasn't changed since 2002 and takes no account of rocketing fuel prices. This means that for many, volunteering for community transport initiatives like WRVS is becoming much more difficult.

"I want to see Scottish Ministers petitioning UK Ministers to raise the reimbursement limit to 50 pence per mile. I am urging MSPs from all parties to support my motion and send a message to Westminster that the UK Government must take action to support volunteer drivers."