The petition called on the Prime Minister to help volunteer drivers by increasing the tax-free mileage allowance.
In reply, the Government states that "HM Revenue & Customs allows volunteers to use the AMAP [approved mileage allowance payment] rates for convenience, they are not mandatory and drivers can reclaim their full motoring costs by completing a tax return should they wish to."
Harriett Baldwin said, "Although it is good to hear that there is no upper limit on mileage payments, most volunteers are not going to want to fill in a tax return to receive more than 40p a mile. It would be far easier if Alistair Darling could simply lift the tax free mileage allowance."
You can read the Government's response here: http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page17874"