Berwickshire Wheels, Berwickshire Community Transport

Berwickshire Wheels
Introduction

Berwickshire Wheels is a project funded by BAVS, Scottish Borders Council and St. John to provide easily accessible transport for residents of Berwickshire, to allow social and family activity for those who have general mobility problems or use a wheelchair. The aim of the project is to improve the transport service within the Berwickshire area by allowing people with disabilities or mobility problems to go out when, where and with whom they wish. The scheme enables people to adopt a more independent lifestyle and play a more active role in community affairs.
The vehicles are driven by either volunteers or by a "private" driver nominated by the individual client. All drivers must attend a short training session and be assessed before driving passengers.
All drivers have had disclosure checks by CRBS.

In June 2008 Berwickshire Wheels were awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. Also in December 2008 they were awarded the Dedication to Access for All Award, this in in association with the Transport Times.

Vehicle Information

Berwickshire Wheels runs five vehicles. Adaptations have been made to the vehicles to enable wheelchairs to access easily via hydraulic lift. People with mobility difficulties can also access via a side door with electric step. The vehicles are similar in size to a "people carrier" and no special driving licence is required to drive the vehicles. The buses are capable of carrying up to 7/9 passengers or 2 wheelchairs and 5/7 passengers. The car can carry 1 wheelchair and 2 passengers or without a wheelchair 4 passengers. We also have a saloon car for passengers who have reasonable mobility.

We have one bus based in Eyemouth, one based in Coldstream and the other three vehicles are based in Duns.

Who Can Hire The Vehicles?

The project has been funded to provide transport to people resident in the Berwickshire area, and priority for use will be given to people living in the area unless they are members of a registered charitable organisation based in Berwickshire.

What Can The Vehicles Be Used For?

• Shopping trips, both local and further afield.
• Community Group outings.
• Youth group activities.
• Visiting relatives.
• Leisure activities.
• Social events.
• Non emergency health appointments

What Does It Cost To Use The Vehicles?

Social Car scheme usage is charged at 25p per mile. Non Social Car Scheme journeys are charged at 60p per mile. Further charges are levied for additional passengers. There is a minimum charge of £3.00. Passengers not elegible for social car scheme rates are charged at 60p per mile for the first 100 miles and £1 per mile thereafter.

Group bookings are charged at 75p per mile for the first 100 miles and £1 per mile thereafter. A £10 non refundable booking charge is required for group bookings.
Registration

All users of the Berwickshire Wheels vehicles must have completed and submitted a registration form and been accepted by the Development/Administration Worker. If you would like a registration form, or could spare time to drive the vehicles, please call Allister on 01361 884652.