The chief secretary to the Treasury David Laws has announced that Government Ministers will no longer be given chauffeur driven company cars and will instead be forced to travel by public transport or pay for their own travel. Ministers have previously had the pleasure of “swanning around in chauffeur-driven cars like they’re the royal family” as David Cameron put it.

“In the future, no minister should have a dedicated car or driver other than in exceptional circumstances. Ministers will be expected to walk or take public transport where possible, or use a pooled car.” – David Laws

The ban on governmental company cars is a two birds, one stone measure designed to cut costs and show a little humility. Now ministers will be forced to travel by public transport (like most people in big cities) which will be both cheaper and better for the environment. If they wish to travel by car they must be willing to pay for Taxis or car hire from their own wages. Whilst this is being described as a cost-cutting measure it is surely seen as a way to rehabilitate MP’s image following the expenses scandal.

Former minister Chris Mullin has been cited as the inspiration for the abolition of Chauffeur driven cars. Mullin’s memoirs (A View from the Foothills) contained the following passage:

I am entitled to a car and a driver. Entirely pointless since the 159 and 3 buses will continue to run past my door, even though I am a minister. Jessica [his private secretary], who cycles in from Brixton, was sympathetic but explained that the situation is a little more complicated than I might suppose. For a start, red boxes cannot be transported by public transport.

She also explained that the funding of the government car pool is geared to encourage maximum use of the car. The drivers are on a low basic wage and are heavily dependent on overtime. So, if I accept a driver, he will be hanging around all day doing nothing and hating me for not giving him enough to do.

Mullin was amazed that £864 a week was being paid in order to transport him when he could easily travel by pubic transport. Whilst Chris Mullin, who served under Tony Blair, can be commended for his efforts, David Cameron is clearly less of a role model. Cameron made a big show of cycling to work but was rather embarrassed when it was revealed that a car drove behind him carrying his papers.

Tagged: Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Chris Mullin, David Cameron, David Laws, Government, ministerial cars, politics, Public transport, transport