Traffic examiners threaten car mileage strike
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Traffic examiners (TEs) working for the Vehicle Inspectorate are threatening to stop using their own cars on VI business unless it substantially increases their mileage allowances.
Roadside checks were about to be cancelled this week until the examiners agreed to await the outcome of talks between the VI and unions. At a meeting last week, both sides agreed to negotiate a new allowance at further talks in three weeks' time.
The TEs are considering the unofficial action because they say the VI has not increased the allowances from 42p a mile agreed in 1992. Traditionally the examiners run their own cars and claim back the mileage at that rate for the first 5,000 miles a year, then at a lower rate after that. The examiners complain the rate is so low that they are subsidising the VI Colleagues from Customs & Excise, often attending the same checks, get 64p per mile, they claim. A spokeswoman for the VI says; "We are continuing negotiations and I feel sure the matter will be resolved amicably... next year a comprehensive review is being undertaken and a lot of these issues will be addressed."