I understand that a number of senior government ministers have given up the use of their ministerial cars in favour of their own car or public transport in order to save money during these difficult times.

During my five years as chairman of North Dorset District Council I never had an official car or chauffeur and, indeed, never intended to have one.

I attended a large number of civic events and functions and always drove my own car. This practice has continued with my successors.

There are many borough and district councils which provide their chairmen and mayors with a chauffeur-driven official car. Should they not follow the example set by ministers and get rid of this very expensive perk and use their own cars for their civic duties?

I am sure the local tax payer would be in agreement.

Cllr Lt Col (retd) Mike Oliver, Pimperne, Dorset