Who are we?
The Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Car Scheme operates across both districts and the registered charity Richmondshire Council for Voluntary Services Volunteer recruits and supports volunteer drivers who use their own cars to help people who, for various reasons, are unable to use or access public transport.
How can we help you?
The scheme will endeavour to provide car transport to any destination, however as our service depends entirely on our volunteer availability we appreciate as much notice as possible. We make no promises, but we will do our best to meet your particular transport needs and also keep you fully informed regarding your journey.
Typical requests include lifts to and from hospitals, doctor and dental appointments, as well as occasional essential shopping trips or visits to friends or relatives.
Does it cost anything?
Yes - there is a mileage charge, which is currently 40 pence per mile (as at Jan 2006) which covers the cost of the volunteer driver’s car & fuel expenses. Mileage is calculated from the driver’s home, to the destination, plus the return journey.
No charges are made for time, even when a volunteer driver is waiting in order to complete a return journey, although any associated parking costs relative to a trip must be paid.
Mileage and any parking costs are paid directly to the volunteer driver
Additional Information
All volunteer drivers supply references and they also undergo a Disclosure (formerly known as a Police Check). We also ensure that they have a current driving licence, MOT certificate and are insured for the vehicle that they drive. In addition to this we provide public liability insurance for the driver whilst carrying out any trips in association with the scheme.
Requests for volunteer transport from users living in Richmondshire should be made by calling 01642-710190. If you are interested in becoming one of our valued volunteer drivers please telephone 01748-822537 for further information.
The volunteer car service operates across Richmondshire and the immediate surrounding area. Occasionally we undertake longer journeys and take people to major hospitals including those in Northallerton (Friarage) Teesside (James Cook), York or Leeds.
With this in mind, we may sometimes have to use a volunteer driver living some way from a user, which could increase overall mileage costs, although you will be advised of this prior to any trip.
However, the great advantage of our service is that the driver will call for the passenger at the time most convenient to them, see them safely to their destination, and wait to bring them home again.
