Letter: Where’s the Saving if Our Mayor is Forced to Use Taxis?

Published on: 11 Mar, 2021
Updated on: 11 Mar, 2021

From: Grahame Robinson

In response to: Mayor Loses Official Car and Driver to Save £25,000 a Year

There was a lot to be said for the Mayor’s car. I should know, I was half of the team driving it.

The car and driver gave the Mayor the chance to sit back and prepare for whatever the next engagement was and to arrive in a fresh state ready to conduct his/her duties with the dignity accorded to the role and the function attended.

I have seen other mayors who drive themselves arrive to find they are unable to park at or even near the venue, necessitating an energetic walk in full regalia, or, not being familiar with the area, unable to find the venue. I once saw one arrive at a gathering only to meet the other mayors leaving.

If the talk now is about taxis and the like, I fail to see where the saving by getting rid of the car will be made.

The Mayor is a valuable asset to the borough and does a lot to encourage charitable donations and promote Guildford businesses. I will always look back on my time as the Mayor’s driver with pride and fondness for the people I met.

Editor’s comment: GBC has confirmed that the £25,000 saving estimate was net, ie after additional costs such as taxi fares were subtracted.

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