Who are we?
The Community Car Scheme is a service set up as a project of Richmondshire Council for Voluntary Services Volunteer drivers use their own cars to help people who, for various reasons, are unable to use public transport.
How can we help you?
We will endeavour to provide you with car transport to any destination. However, as our service depends 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 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 our volunteer drivers have to supply references and they also undergo a Disclosure (formerly known as a Police Check). We 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 our organisation.
Our volunteer car service covers the whole of Richmondshire and the immediate surrounding area. Occasionally we take people to hospitals in Teeside, York or Leeds.
With this in mind, we may sometimes have to use a driver living some way from a client, which could increase overall mileage costs, although you will be advised of this prior to any trip.
