Berwickshire Wheels

Berwickshire Wheels is a service funded by Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Government with financial support from BAVS, donations from groups and individuals and the affordable charges made to the service users.

Funding for replacement vehicles is the subject of regular applications to funding bodies. Berwickshire Wheels provides 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 service is to improve transport within the Berwickshire area allowing people with disabilities or mobility problems to go out when, where and with whom they wish. It enables people to adopt a more independent lifestyle and play a more active role in community affairs.

The Wheels vehicles are driven by either volunteers or by a “private” driver nominated by the individual client. All drivers must attend a familiarisation session and be assessed before driving passengers. All volunteer drivers will also be subject to a Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) check administered by Disclosure Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.

In June 2008 Berwickshire Wheels was awarded the Queens Golden Jubilee Award for Voluntary Service. In December 2008 the service received the Scottish Transport “Dedication to Access for All” Award. In 2009 the National Transport Awards Highly Commended the service for its “Dedication to Access for All” Award. Berwickshire Wheels continues to provide a valued service, constantly updating its fleet of vehicles to ensure optimum service provision. It continues to receive wide praise within the region and with Scottish Government for the work it carries out within Berwickshire.

Vehicle Information

Berwickshire Wheels operates seven vehicles of varying size, with five based in Duns, one in Coldstream and one in Eyemouth. Five of the vehicles are adapted to carry wheelchair users but all are easily accessible for those with mobility difficulties. The maximum capacity of any of the vehicles is sixteen passengers plus the driver. Berwickshire residents wishing to use the service must first register with Berwickshire Wheels.

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 is the social car scheme? Unclear about charges?

• Social Car scheme usage is charged at 35p per mile.
• Non Social Car Scheme journeys are charged at 85p per mile for the first 100 miles and £1 per mile thereafter.
• Further charges are levied for additional passengers. There is a minimum charge of £5.00.
• Group bookings are charged at 85p per mile for the first 100 miles and £1 per mile thereafter.

If you would like to register for the service please either download and fill in the registration form below and email or post to Allister Hart, the Wheels Service Development Officer, or contact him direct by phone.

Would you like to be a volunteer driver?

If you are over 25 years old and are interested in joining our team of volunteer drivers, Allister would be pleased to hear from you.

For more information go to our Volunteering page.

Allister Hart
Wheels Service Development Officer
BAVS
55 Newtown Street
Duns
TD11 3AU

Tel: 01361 884 652
allister.hart@bavs.org.uk