SACRAMENTO – In another move to attack the state's budget shortfalls, California's governor on Friday announced cutbacks to the state vehicle fleet.

Gov. Jerry Brown, in an effort to cut the state’s passenger vehicle fleet in half, directed all state agencies and departments to immediately halt new car purchases and turn in taxpayer-funded cars that are not essential to state business.

“There is a lot of wasteful spending on cars that aren’t even driven,” Brown said. “And we can’t afford to spend taxpayer money on new cars while California faces such a massive deficit.”

Brown said his goal is to halve the number of the state’s passenger cars, trucks and home storage permits – which allow state employees to use passenger cars for their daily commute.

“Fifty percent is a starting point. If we find more waste, we’ll make more cuts,” Brown added.

A potential savings amount wasn't indicated Friday.

Brown will also move underutilized vehicles to new locations, so that the fleet is more efficient overall. Cars that are not needed will be sold.

The Department of General Services estimates that there are approximately 11,000 passenger cars and trucks in the state fleet, and approximately 4,500 home storage permits, that don’t serve a health or public safety function. Brown’s goal is to cut these totals in half.

Brown’s order directs every agency secretary and department director to immediately review their organization’s home storage permits and withdraw those that are not essential or cost-effective.

He explained that some employees may need a car around-the-clock because their jobs are public health and safety focused, or it is more cost-effective for the state for certain employees to have a car than not. The review will take this into account.

Brown’s order instructs agencies and departments to analyze the purpose, necessity and cost-effectiveness of every fleet vehicle, and submit a plan for cutting unneeded vehicles. Non-essential vehicles must be sold or transferred within 120 days of the plan’s approval.

The order additionally prohibits agencies and departments from buying new vehicles for non-emergency use.

Earlier this month, Brown issued an executive order directing state agency and department heads to collect and turn in 48,000 government-paid cell phones.

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