If the Redford government is serious about cutting expenses, Wildrose MAL Rob Anderson has a suggestion.

In Monday’s Calgary Herald, Anderson points to the executive fleet of vehicles available to more than 50 senior politicians and bureaucrats that cost taxpayers $2.6-million annually.

The program provides up to $45,000 for the unrestricted use of a vehicle by a cabinet minister, and up to $43,000 for deputy ministers and members of the Premier’s political staff.

But some of those eligible for the program actually use their own vehicles and get 50.5 cents a kilometre for mileage.  Anderson feels that should be standard practice and not the exception.

In the case of Premier Redford, the fleet of protection vehicles include six 2012 Buick Enclaves valued at about $50,000 apiece; two Chevy Suburban’s worth more than $60,000; and a 2009 Taurus that remains in the pool courtesy of former Premier Ed Stelmach.

Faced with a budget deficit as high as $3-million for the current fiscal year, the Redford government is currently looking at ways to cut expenses.