17-5-2012

New All Government Wide Vehicle Policy

Following concerns about the proper use of government vehicles, Cabinet has recently endorsed a Whole of Government Vehicle Policy released by the Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) to all Ministries, Crown Agencies and Ministerial Support Offices under Section 6 (c) of the Public Service Act 2009. Public Service Commissioner Russell Thomas said the new policy standardizes the use, day to day management and purchase of all government vehicles including motor vehicles, motorcycles, marine transport and heavy machinery, and ensures they are used appropriately in the delivery of government business. “Concerns about the use of government vehicles after hours and for private use have persisted for years,” he said. “Developed in consultation with Heads of Ministries and Crown Agencies, this new policy is more comprehensive and takes into account prudent use of government assets, fuel efficiency, size and types of vehicles purchased for government purposes.” He said the newly endorsed policy will apply across the whole of government and will include all HOMs, CEOs and staff. The most significant provisions of the policy are: • clearly defined and communicated rules for vehicle usage by all government employees • ensuring regular maintenance and upkeep of vehicles • only a HoM that has been provided a vehicle via their contract is permitted to drive a government vehicle outside of what is normally considered working hours and vehicles are not to be used for any commercial purpose • only in exceptional or emergency circumstances will a HoM’s spouse or family member be allowed to drive a designated GA vehicle • when a HoM or an employee who is assigned a GA vehicle travels overseas, the vehicle is to be left in the care of a suitable responsible employee for use by the Office. Residential storage of GA vehicle whilst overseas is only acceptable if no other suitable arrangements are available. • smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages are not permitted inside government vehicles and not at any time driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs • no one is authorized to use a government fuel account to fill personal or non-government vehicles • clear details of the vehicle, the amount of fuel, cost per litre is now required to be recorded in the ‘vehicle log’ book at the filling station and this account must be checked monthly by the Finance Office, to ensure that information is accurate and signed off by the HoM. “The Government Vehicle Policy provides a clear guide on the appropriate use of government vehicle to ensure that all those who are entrusted with the use and care of these public assets do so in a responsible manner. “ Mr. Thomas said his Office is also developing a Leave Policy in consultation with Heads of Ministries and plans are afoot to release a comprehensive ‘Public Service Policy Manual’ later in the year to guide public service administration and to promote fairness in the treatment of Public Servants across the board.