The cost of ministerial chauffeur driven cars revealed as £6.3 million
Cost of minister's chauffeur driven cars revealed
The cost of ministerial chauffeur driven cars for one year has been revealed as £6.3 million. It is estimated that the Prime Minister’s team alone uses 93 cars at a cost of £67,500 a year a piece. Over the past 4 years the bill for vehicles and chauffeurs stands at £24 million.
The biggest spenders include the Home Office and the Cabinet Office who have spent £1.8 million on chauffeur driven cars since 2005.
The figures were obtained by the Shadow Communities Minister, Justine Greening, who has condemned the extravagant use of the taxpayer’s money saying: “It is unacceptable that ministers are spending nearly £70,000 a year on each car that they use. It is clearly excessive and a waste of taxpayers’ money.”
The Chief Executive of the Taxpayer’s Alliance, Matthew Elliott, thought it was distasteful for ministers to be using such a luxurious form of transport during a time of economic hardship and branded the ministers “selfish and arrogant.”
However the Government Car and Dispatch Agency has defended the use of the chauffeur driven vehicles saying it is necessary for ministers to use this form of transport. They cited security risks and rules that disallowed ministers from carrying official documents on public transport as reasons for the need for the chauffeur driven cars.
Chauffeurs get new Lexus LS600h limo for 2010
Lexus LS600h
Extra comfort and economy is at the top of list for the next generation of the chauffeurs favourite Lexus LS600h.
Revealed at the Frankfurt motor show, Lexus has revealed the new model with reach the vital Euro V emissions standards and a more compact battery packaging allowing chauffeurs more boot space than the previous model.
A new ECO mode which modifies the throttle action and performance of the air conditioning system to support fuel-efficient driving has also been announced.
The movement of the accelerator pedal and system output is automatically controlled, reducing response to aggressive inputs to improve fuel economy and promote smoother driving. The load on the engine is also reduced under acceleration, which also helps improve fuel efficiency.
On the outside, the revised model is distinguished visually by a new four-bar grille and front bumper with redesigned air intakes and fog lamps. The headlamps have a new running light design and are finished in Lexus hybrid blue.
In profile, the car has a new one-piece rocker moulding and new door mirrors that incorporate twin LED turn signals and puddle lamps, with chrome highlights.
More information at thechauffeur.com
Manchester Council seeks chauffeur driven car hire for its leader
Manchester Council looking for chauffeur hire
The head of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese, is looking to hire a chauffeur driven vehicle for the next two years. The advertisement published on the internet invites chauffeur hire companies to submit tenders for the job which is estimated to set the tax payer back by £10,000.
The chauffeur will be required to transport primarily Sir Richard whilst on public engagements however it will occasionally be called upon to chauffeur the Mayor of Manchester as well. The official advert calls for “a chauffeur and executive car to transport the leader of the city council to and from appointments.
Sir Richard, who is the leader of the labour group, argues that the proposed chauffeur scheme is a far cheaper option than the previous system where a chauffeur was employed on a full time basis. Sir Richard himself call an end to this and the cost of chauffeur driven transport for council officials has been in steady decline over the past five years.
However this has done little to quell the anger of members of the public and certain councillors. Martin Eakins is a liberal democrat councillor and is dissatisfied with the decision as he explains: “Labour spends almost £4m a year of our money on car allowances and taxis for councillors and staff, but it seems his own car or even a taxi isn’t good enough for our `champagne socialist’ leader, who needs a chauffeur.”
Although Sir Richard made a strong case in his defence, arguing that he regularly cycles to work or uses his own vehicle to cut down on the cost of travel. He maintains that the proposed chauffeur hire scheme will save money as they will “only pay for it when we need it” adding “It’s effectively a taxi contract and the cost is justified.”
Jaguar XFR on offer for hot laps for few lucky chauffeur guests
Jaguar XFR
Jaguar will be offering a few lucky guests some hot laps in the 510bhp Jaguar XFR, the award-winning performance saloon that is capable of 0-60mph in just 4.7 seconds.
It should prove an exhilarating experience: a barely-modified XFR recently set a new Jaguar land speed record at 225.67mph.
Drive ‘09 is open to all members of the chauffeur, limousine and private hire markets free of charge. Visitors can benefit from an exclusive seminar programme covering a variety of important issues, and see trade stands for insurance, finance, computer booking software and government organisations.
Visitors can register by visiting www.drive09.co.uk
Thanks to TheChauffeur.com for content.
Former Mayor of Peterborough defends the cost of chauffeur driven car hire
The cost of a chauffeur driven Jaguar to transport the Mayor of Peterborough has been revealed as £123 a day. The figures were released after a request was made using the Freedom of Information Act.
The amount of £44,908 covers the period of one year between 2007/08 and includes the cost of the chauffeur, the vehicle and petrol. The figure has risen from the previous year when the overall expenditure on car hire for the mayor came to £42,426. The cost is expected to rise year on year as the price of fuel continues to increase pushing up the expense of motoring.
Marion Todd was the mayor of Peterborough between 2007/08. She is still a member of the Peterborough Council and felt the need to speak out in order to defend her use of the chauffeur driven car. Ms. Todd believes a chauffeured vehicle is vital if the position of mayor is to be carried out properly. Amongst her other reasons she highlighted the high number of public engagements the mayor is expected to attend, sometimes as many as 6 a day.
Another contributing factor is the very small wage the mayor is actually paid. Ms. Todd claimed to only receive £160 a month for her role as mayor meaning there would be no spare money to cover the costs of the chauffeur and car. She summed up succinctly saying “Having a vehicle and a driver helps any mayor do the job to the best of their ability.”
A spokesperson for Peterborough Council offered his support to the argument. He emphasized the huge amount charity work undertaken by the major, often raising thousands of pounds each year for worthy causes.
Reaction to the news from local residents has been mixed. Many argue the role of mayor should be scrapped all together whilst others see the chauffeur driven car as a legitimate expense.
Jaguar targets chauffeurs as biggest potential customers
Jaguar XJ the new car of choice for chauffeurs?
Having just unveiled its latest innovative model the XJ, Jaguar has its sights firmly set on targeting the chauffeur car hire industry. The Managing Director of Jaguar, Geoff Cousins, believes this new model will be the first vehicle in some time that will be able to stand up and compete with the Mercedes S-Class which currently dominates the market.
In order to further entice chauffeurs into purchasing the new Jag, the luxury brand is launching a “chauffeur programme” in a direct bid to gain their business. The most appealing aspect of the Jaguar for potential chauffeur owners is, of course, the money issue. The Jaguar XJ is cheaper to run per mile when compared against the Mercedes, the 3.0 litre diesel engine offers excellent fuel consumption rates at 40.1 miles per gallon. Plus service intervals of 15,000 miles also help to keep running costs low.
Chief designer Ian Callum raises the important issue of style. Having a chauffeur driven vehicle is all about displaying a certain image of which elegance and style are vital. This is something Jaguar have very much taken onboard as Mr. Callum says “Style is the raison d’Etre for Jaguar. It was important to produce a modern Jaguar which fits into the 21st century.”
Jaguar have certainly upped their game and look ripe to take over Mercedes’ reign as the chauffeur’s vehicle of choice. They’ve also invested in a high profile advertising campaign at Heathrow Airport which will create a buzz and no doubt, plenty of business for Jaguar. The new XJ is available to order now, with delivery expected in early 2010.
Chauffeurs could face cap on working hours
Chauffeurs and private hire drivers could face limit on working hours
The Government has launched an investigation into the amount of hours worked by chauffeurs and private hire drivers. Depending on the findings, professional drivers could see a limit put on the amount of hours they are allowed to work in a day. There have been calls from major road safety groups for chauffeurs to come under the drivers’ hours rules, which applies to van, coach and lorry drivers amongst others, but not private hire drivers.
Research conducted by safety group Brake and GMB Union found that on average, private hire drivers and chauffeurs worked 11 hours per day with many feeling obliged to do extra hours when asked by bosses and colleagues. This amounts to drivers working an estimated 70 hours per week which is more than double the amount recommended in European working regulations.
The issue is gathering concern for those within the Government too. Louise Ellman MP acknowledged it as “an area of concern” and has called for the Transport secretary to carry out further research.
However the news has not been welcomed by The Private Hire Board. They argue that it would be unfair to impose a limit on the amount of hours taxi drivers and chauffeurs are allowed to work at a time of economic hardship when many are struggling to scrape a living. They maintain that although many drivers do work 11 hour shifts, they may only spend half of that time on the road as a high percentage of their working day is spent waiting in ranks to pick up fares. In their words new legislation would be an “unnecessary measure.”
Executive Jet Centre Chooses Chauffeur Firm
Executive Jet Centre - Coventry Airport
Coventry Airport has teamed up with luxury chauffeur drive company, First Class Cars to provide top of the range ground transportation for clients using its new Executive Jet Centre.
First Class Cars’ prestigious fleet includes the Mercedes S Class, Bentley Continental Flying Spur and Rolls Royce Phantom, which fits the airport’s high specification requirements perfectly.
Head of Business Development Tom Freeman said “With our focus on providing the ultimate in customer service, we are delighted to be working with First Class Cars who specialise in providing secure, punctual and well appointed transfers for discerning clients. Coventry Airport aims to be a significant player in the executive aviation market and is making business partnerships with like-minded companies who support that aim”.
Read more chauffeur news and reviews at thechauffeur.com
Holiday Inn hotel limo and chauffeur car hire transfer service trials in Fiji
Global hotel brand, Holiday Inn, have announced today that they are to trial a chauffeur driven service between their hotel in Suva, Fiji and the local airport in Nausori. This association, with another global car hire brand Avis, is almost certainly an indication as to the future of overseas and domestic airport travel as guests come to demand transport far more luxurious and comfortable than the traditional coach.
The global limousine market has become increasingly popular over the past few decades. Initially an American phenomenia 30 years ago, luxury limousines have since conquered the world and continue to make inroads in diverse locations from the impressive growth in UK to as far flung places as Kabul.
This trial signals the intent of two international companies to begin using luxury vehicles as part of their services to their customers. The manager of the Holiday Inn in Suva, Michael Wilson said “Holiday Inn Suva is proud to join with Avis in providing our valued guests these new luxury vehicles for airport transfers and other trips around Suva”
Similarly, Avis chief executive had this to say “Avis is delighted with this new partnership with a renowned hotel chain and prominent Suva hotel in the Holiday Inn, to provide an outstanding transfer service to guests”
If the trial is a success it is likely that this service would expand globally which would be a significant bonus for the limo hire industry.
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