McInnes urges support for volunteer drivers

12.00.00am GMT Fri 9th Jan 2009

Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP has condemned the UK Government's response to an e-petition calling for an increased reimbursement rate for volunteer drivers.

The petition calls on the UK Government to increase the rate of reimbursement for volunteer drivers to 50p per mile in line with the recent rise in fuel costs. The Government responded to the petition saying that no increase to the rate of reimbursement would be made and suggested that volunteer drivers could submit a tax return to claim back some of their motoring costs.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

"I fully support the e-petition's call for a 'no strings attached' increase in the rate of fuel reimbursement for volunteer drivers. Increases in fuel costs mean that many community transport organisations are struggling to keep volunteer drivers.

"These volunteers provide a lifeline service for many elderly and vulnerable people.

"To suggest that volunteer drivers, many of whom are retired or elderly, should go through the hassle of time-consuming form filling is completely counter-productive. The Government should be actively encouraging these volunteers, not making the process more confusing.

"Scottish Ministers should not stand idly by on this matter either. They must put pressure on the UK Government to increase the rate of fuel reimbursement to 50p per mile for volunteer drivers."