Driving dilemma

Volunteer drivers provide an essential service in meeting the transport needs of many frail, disabled or elderly people, who would otherwise struggle to attend vital appointments.

But it’s becoming more of a struggle for the drivers themselves as fuel prices continue to increase and their paid mileage rate, set by the government, remains at 40p.

One of the many knock-on effects of the proposed 1p per litre, plus inflation, fuel duty rise, due on April 1, is the impact it will have on the service and it has prompted some of Newark and Sherwood's volunteers to question whether they can continue.

The people who would suffer the most, of course, would be those who use the service and regard it as a transport lifeline.

Making more use of voluntary drivers is one of the proposals and recommendations designed to help tackle the wholly inadequate public transport links between Newark and King’s Mill Hospital and Ashfield Community Hospital where many health services for local people are now provided, but it would be extremely difficult to make more use of a contracting service.

Under current rules, if the mileage rate were increased to more than 40p drivers would have to complete tax returns and that in itself could put many off.

If the government wants communities to retain what is a popular, simple, reliable and convenient service the solution seems obvious — increase the limit without the need to involve the taxman.