https://www.cambrian-news.co.uk/article.cfm?id=135014 - by Gareth Wyn Williams
Cyngor Gwynedd Council is reviewing its transport policy amid claims the authority’s vehicles have been “misused” by some members of staff driving them home and falling foul of regulations.
According to the council, staff who require vehicles are permitted to take them home if “on call” or have “stand-by” out of hours duties, by being available to support incidents such as storms or accidents.
But officers have conceded there have been “some instances” where staff have not adhered to the policy, confirming it is currently being reviewed as part of ongoing talks with unions.
The move comes after the unveiling of a banner on a busy roundabout in #Caernarfon calling for a stop on the “misuse” of vehicles. It was swiftly taken down by officers who say it had been installed without consent.
A Gwynedd Council spokesman said: “We allow staff that are participating in a recognised out of hours arrangement that requires the use of a specialist vehicle to take a council vehicle home so that they can respond to emergencies as quickly and safely as possible.
“We are aware there are some instances where staff may not have adhered to this policy, and we are working with our trade union partners to address this matter and update our policy.
“We can also confirm that the council removed a banner which was placed without consent on railings near Morrisons roundabout in Caernarfon last weekend.”
Arfon MS Sian Gwenllian has already written to the authority after concerns were raised with her, confirming she would “continue to communicate” with the council.
Cllr Aeron M Jones said he had received similar concerns from council employees.
He said: “For the council to say they’re looking into it, well, I’ve been a member for 12 years and they’ve been saying the same for all of that time.”
“I agree that any member of staff that may have to go out on call should have their council vehicle with them, but there are officers who may be on-call only over the phone and others, perhaps managers, who don’t need them at all in my view.
“The running of these vehicles cost a lot to the taxpayers of Gwynedd and it’s only right that people get value for money, especially with council tax rising every year.
“I fully support whoever placed the sign, while the correct procedure may be for staff to raise concerns with their line managers, some may be afraid of repercussions and I fully support a new whistleblowing policy.
“I don’t know who put the banner up but they have been very brave and it has shed some light on an issue that is clearly of concern.”
https://www.cambrian-news.co.uk/article.cfm?id=135014
