Share

UK minister scorns limo, wants bike

In January 2014, Wheels24 reported that provincial premier Thandi Modise spent more than R1.3-million on a luxury BMW 7 Series despite the national Cabinet banning extravagant spending on such vehicles.

Imagine how much hard-earned tax payers' cash could have been saved if she elected to use a bicycle to and from work? While it may be a  pipe dream given the size of some our politicians it might become a reality in Britain.

'MINISTERIAL BIKE' VS CHAUFFEUR EXPENSE

British Home Office minister Norman Baker is rebelling against an order to use a driver by demanding that he be provided with a “ministerial bike” instead.

According to the London Daily Mail, Baker was told that he must be chauffeured on the half -kilometre route from his desk at the Home Office to the House of Commons in London.

Baker said he would rather cycle to work if the office provided him with a bicycle, arguing that it would be quicker and cheaper for him to cycle to and from work.

The Home Office refused, claiming that it would place an "unacceptable burden" on the taxpayer…but a limousine and chauffeur service would be less of a burden?

SHORT JOURNEY? WALK!

The office, which reportedly spends the equivalent of R2.4-million a year on chauffeuring British ministers around, said that providing bicycles would mean additional and unnecessary cost to the department where arrangements are already in place. After all, the car had been paid for and the chauffeur was being paid anyway.

It added that, for short journeys, Ministers could walk or use public transport.

It’s believed the row has been brought to the attention of Sue Gray, the Cabinet Office’s director-general of propriety and ethics, who has backed the officials, reports the Daily Mail.

Imagine how much could be saved, not to mention the tremendous weight-loss, if some of our politicians followed suit? Tax-payers wouldn't have to foot the bill for luxury ministerial vehicles and politicians would benefit from losing a few kilograms. Win-win?

Email us and we'll publish your thoughts on Wheels24
 


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE