Deals for wheels to work, school or college

Central Bedfordshire Council is backing Wheels2Work, an initiative to help people without their own vehicle get to-and from work and college. The scheme was launched earlier this year and has proved a great success so far. So register now, take the basic training and start benefiting from this scheme for the new term.

Wheels2Work provides transport advice and support to individuals without access to alternative transport for up to a nine-month period until they can find a longer-term solution. Users are offered a 50cc Yamaha scooter loan, which is provided complete with comprehensive vehicle insurance, road tax, safety equipment and service costs.

The scheme, which is led by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, is open to people who meet the following criteria:
of working age (16– 64) with priority given to those aged 16–24
living in the Central Bedfordshire area (excluding Luton)
having limited or no access to transport to their place of employment, education or training
have a provisional or full driving licence
Clients meeting all the criteria must then take the Compulsory Basic Training course and rural ride training, both of which are free. A small monthly wear and tear fee is also paid for the scooter loan.

Wheels2Work can also help businesses and employers who are struggling to recruit or keep employees because of their location or transport difficulties.

The Wheels2Work registration process begins with an interview for which applicants under 18 need to have a parent or guardian at hand, and is followed by the Co-ordinator taking up references and seeking confirmation that a clean driving licence is held.

For further information please contact Bob Hughes, Wheels2Work coordinator at Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity on 01234 832646, text 07903 272626, e-mail bobh@bedsrcc.org.uk or visit www.bedsrcc.org.uk/Wheels2Work/wheels1.html