Mayoral cars could be sold to save cash
A review of mayoral cars has been ordered by civic chiefs in the Black Country in an effort to save taxpayers' money.
A review of mayoral cars has been ordered by civic chiefs in the Black Country in an effort to save taxpayers' money.
Councillors in Wolverhampton have pulled back from scrapping the authority's gas-guzzling Jaguar XJ Sovereign and Chrysler Grand Voyager cars but wants to slash the £45,223 annual cost of running them.
The authority owns the luxury vehicles which cost £2,900 annually in fuel bills and £1,500 to maintain. Two drivers, who also undertake cleaning duties, earn £40,835 between them. Council leader Neville Patten said the authority would not go as far as the controversial newly elected Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies, who axed the civic limousine.
But he said the review would look into the possibility of selling the cars and leasing or hiring vehicles for civic occasions.
Both the Midlands-made 5.3 litre Jaguar XJ Sovereign and the huge 4 x4 Chrysler Voyager are considered ecologically unsound by green campaigners.
"It may be that it works out cheaper to keep the cars, there are many things to be looked into," he said.
"The question was raised whether it would be cheaper to own or rent and it is a valid query.
"I cannot see the day when the Mayor of Wolverhampton will be driven around in a Smart car but I've downsized my great big Peugeot estate for a 207 model because of green considerations so I don't see why that issue shouldn't come into the equation."
A report earlier this year on 2007/8 costs revealed that Dudley Council forked out the most on civic transport, spending £84,969.
The second highest was Sandwell Council, which spent £74,362 on running its two mayoral cars. Walsall Council, third on the list, also owns its two mayoral cars, on which it forked out £49,261.
Wolverhampton came a close fourth, followed by Stafford Borough Council while Cannock's council-owned Volvo costs just £9,000 in fuel and maintenance. Kidderminster Charter Trustees paid only £5,000, and neither they nor Lichfield City Council spend on chauffeurs as the mayors drive themselves.
