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HALIFAX - Stung by an accident involving a cabinet minister's son, Premier Rodney MacDonald moved Thursday to ensure his ministers would no longer have the option of driving a government-leased vehicle.

MacDonald said all ministers would now be expected to get their own vehicles, although they would have the option of either claiming mileage or taking a monthly vehicle allowance of $700 and a gas card.

The premier said all of the leased vehicles that would remain for use in other areas of the government fleet must be used for government business only.

"I want to make sure that there is clarity for ministers, that there is no grey areas and that there is clarity for the public," said MacDonald.

"We will ensure that the current policy is followed ... and that either employees or ministers utilize those vehicles, except in certain circumstances where there may be a need for others to be able to drive the vehicle."

The changes are part of the government's review of its vehicle policy following a crash last weekend involving the son of Community Services Minister Judy Streatch.

The 17-year-old was on his way to a store in New Ross, N.S., when he crashed the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid into a ditch. Both he and his girlfriend were unhurt, but the vehicle sustained extensive damage.

Streatch broke the news to reporters Monday, but mistakenly told them she believed her son was permitted to drive. She also said he was covered under a personal use premium she had obtained.

But it was later revealed that taxpayers would be on the hook for the damages under the government's self-insurance scheme.

Under growing pressure from the opposition, Streatch issued a statement the next day saying she would pay for the cost of repairs.

The need for further clarity became apparent when Transport Minister Murray Scott revealed that none of the ministers had been following the policy when it came to who was allowed to drive their vehicles.

On Thursday, the premier said he would be giving up his lease on his 2007 Toyota Camry, although he hadn't decided which of the two remaining options he would choose.

Scott, meanwhile, said it was his belief that doing away with the leases would not result in any savings.

"In my estimation, the leases at the end of the day would probably save money," he said.

Indeed, a check of the government's list of the 11 cabinet ministers who lease vehicles shows the cost to come in at around $88,000 a year. If all were to opt for the $700 monthly allowance, the cost would increase to over $92,000.

NDP Leader Darrell Dexter applauded the move, but said it wouldn't have happened without the embarrassment of the weekend accident.

"I doubt it," he said. "I think the situation that existed was a comfortable one for them and it's only when these circumstances arise that it's brought to the public's attention."

Dexter, who is also eligible for taxpayer-funded transportation, said he already submits mileage forms for the vehicle he owns.

"It seemed to make the most sense and has the most transparency," he said.

Under the mileage plan, drivers get just over 40 cents a kilometre for the first 16,000 kilometres. The number falls to just over 27 cents per kilometre over the 27,000-km mark.