Minibus 'pool' to maximise resource - Gawne

Minister's options for rationalisation

Proposals to shake-up the government's passenger vehicle fleet could save taxpayers around half a million pounds a year, according to the infrastructure minister.

Phil Gawne says rationalising the operation will leave no-one worse off - and ensure vehicle use is maximised for public benefit.

Government wants to establish a central fleet of shared service vehicles - which would see fewer more intensely used, avoiding duplication and reducing costs overall.   

Island schools have been invited to hand back their minibuses, in exchange for free use of a vehicle as-and-when it's needed.

Mr Gawne says schools can sell their minibus and spend the money on something else - or keep it but take ownership and fund all its running costs themselves.

That has not pleased some schools where money has been raised in the local community to buy a minibus for pupils.  

The minister says many vehicles are languishing and not being put to best use: